Wolf Proposes Changing Presidents Day to Washington's Birthday

There's a move afoot to give George Washington back his own holiday.

Back in 1971, Congress switched Washington's Birthday holiday from his birthdate, Feb. 22, to the third Monday in February and it evolved into being called "Presidents Day." The day now celebrates both Washington's birthday and President Abraham Lincoln's birthday which is Feb. 12.

"Today, however, his birthday has become simply a time for many to celebrate a three-day weekend," Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) said in a news release. "We need to change the focus from celebrating sales at the mall to celebrating the significance of Washington’s birth to the birth of our nation."

Wolf, who represents portions of Fairfax County but not the Mount Vernon area, is leading the charge in Congress to have the watered-down holiday changed to Washington's Birthday and celebrated on the first president's actual birthday of Feb. 22.

(No word on whether anyone from Illinois is pushing for a similar holiday for Lincoln.)

President Rutherford B. Hayes signed legislation in 1879 that made Washington’s Birthday a holiday for District federal workers.  The holiday was extended to all federal workers in 1885.

Wolf’s legislation is supported by George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and its executive Director James Rees, who stated in a letter endorsing Wolf’s bill:

"Today many states, the media, advertisers and the general public have abandoned recognition of Washington’s Birthday and replaced it with a commercial ‘shopping holiday’ that leaves American history and patriotism by the side of the road. The holiday was far more meaningful when it revolved around George Washington, and schools were able to focus on his sterling example of character and leadership. We look forward to the day, when once again, February 22 is marked by patriotic festivities and lessons about the life of George Washington, which can teach and inspire American leaders of today and tomorrow."