President's Day, observed annually on the third Monday of February, offers a blend of historical commemoration and modern convenience. This holiday, originally designated as Washington's Birthday by the Office of Personnel Management, has evolved into a broader celebration of all U.S. presidents. The Uniform Holiday Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and effective from 1971, established this date to prevent mid-week disruptions and provide Americans with a long weekend.
The origins of President's Day trace back to the early days of the United States when George Washington's birthday on February 22 was celebrated informally. In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes formalized this observance. Over time, the proximity of Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12 led the public to expand the holiday's scope, honoring the contributions of all presidents.
The decision to fix President's Day, along with Memorial Day and Veterans Day, on Mondays was strategic. The Uniform Holiday Act aimed at minimizing work interruptions during the week. President Johnson emphasized the intent behind this change, encouraging citizens "to travel farther and see more of this beautiful land of ours."
As a federal holiday, President's Day results in closures for various institutions. Banks, alongside the Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange, and U.S. bond markets, will not operate. Additionally, some governmental entities and businesses will remain closed, while retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies may adjust their hours in observance.
The holiday also brings commercial opportunities. Many retailers offer deals during the extended weekend, integrating shopping into the celebration. However, amidst these activities, protests organized by the 5051 Movement against former President Donald Trump are scheduled to take place, reflecting the holiday's complex contemporary significance.
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