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Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on February 22nd until well into the 20th Century. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to “provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays.” By creating more 3-day weekends, Congress hoped to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.”

One of the provisions of this act changed the observance of Washington’s Birthday from February 22nd to the third Monday in February. Ironically, this guaranteed that the holiday would never be celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, as the third Monday in February cannot fall any later than February 21.

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I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father’s child has.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

I have endured a great deal of ridicule without much malice; and have received a great deal of kindness, not quite free from ridicule. I am used to it.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

In regard to this Great Book [the Bible], I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

I have never studied the art of paying compliments to women; but I must say that if all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war. God bless the women of America!

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

I have stepped out upon this platform that I may see you and that you may see me, and in the arrangement, I have the best of the bargain.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

It is not merely for today, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children’s children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives.

—Abraham Lincoln, Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

Take it and see how you do.