Presidents Day without the break: Why it still matters

While many schools close for Presidents Day, students at Lee still had classes, work, and extracurriculars on Monday. So what exactly did we observe – and why does it matter if we didn’t get the day off? 

Presidents Day is a U.S. federal holiday, celebrated on the third Monday in February each year to honor George Washington’s birthday. This holiday was originally established in 1879 on Washington’s actual birthday, the 22nd of February, but was moved in 1971 to create the three day weekend that the holiday now gives us. Despite this shift, the holiday remains officially “Washington’s Birthday” for federal employees, but popular usage and state observances have rebranded it to include Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12, and other leaders. 

Presidents Day celebrations vary by region. Tennessee celebrates Presidents Day by closing state government offices, courts, and some schools. Many private businesses, retail stores, and restaurants remain open, often featuring sales. Despite Presidents Day's original intent of honoring George Washington’s birthday, the holiday now honors all Presidents. Tennessee specifically honors the Volunteer state born Presidents, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk. 

Lee University, as a private university, is not required to close for the holiday – and so classes, meetings, and extracurricular activities took place as normal on Monday. Even without a day off, Presidents Day offers a reminder that leadership – on any scale – is something worth studying, honoring, and practicing.