Presidents' Day?

I was preparing to write a tribute to Presidents Washington and Lincoln this morning, just after checking my email. My inbox contained an update from Snope's Urban Legends, curiously, on this very topic: an explanation of what's come to be commonly, but erroneously, referred to as Presidents' Day.

Apparently, there has been no small amount of confusion, inconsistency and irregularity concerning this holiday over the past several decades. According to Snope's research, however, a 1971 executive order established the third Monday in February as the official federal holiday for honoring Washington's birthday. I was surprised to learn that there has never been any subsequent official change to include Lincoln as part of the holiday, even though many of us no doubt have assumed otherwise.

Sigh.

Abraham Lincoln has been a beloved figure throughout my life. I recall commemorating his birthday throughout my school days with countless projects involving artwork, poetry and prose, dramatic presentations and memorization (think Gettysburg Address). His virtues and historical significance were recounted and extolled year after year by my teachers (as well as those of President Washington). My father, a Civil War buff, also reinforced a high regard for our Sixteenth President.

So I admit disappointment after having learned that his birthday has no official recognition by the federal government, but has merely been commonly tossed in with Washington's, creating a hybrid of sorts. Apparently a congressional bill was proposed in 2001 requesting "that the President issue a proclamation each year recognizing the anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities," but it died without having cleared the subcommittee.

Too bad. I think it would be much more honoring to both Washington and Lincoln to keep the celebrations distinct. Each president made very distinct and profound contributions to our nation being what it is today. I have extreme difficulty imagining what our political landscape would actually be like without the various courageous decision they made and deeds they each performed in sacrifice and loyal service to their country.

During your normal routine today, please take a moment to reflect on being a direct beneficiary of blessings afforded our nation because of these two men who loom so large in our hearts and esteem.

Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings ; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

-- Daniel 2:20-21, NKJV