By Amelia Kibbe
Features Assignment Editor
This past Monday, as St. Bonaventure students went to classes as usual, the nation recognized its leaders by celebrating Presidents Day. The day is a federal holiday and many schools, businesses and federal offices were closed.
According to the History Channel’s website, President’s Day was originally celebrated on Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday. The holiday was established in 1885 in his memory and is still technically called “George Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government.
However, when the U.S. Government passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (the holidays were moved to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for workers) in 1971, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February and commonly became known as Presidents Day. The holiday now recognizes all U.S. presidents and their accomplishments.
Today, many Americans view President’s Day simply as a day off from school or a day of good sales at the mall. They forgot the day is set aside to remember and honor some of the most important figures in American history.
Dr. Karen Robbins, history professor at Bonaventure, explained how the idea of Presidents Day has evolved throughout her lifetime. When she was younger, the nation celebrated both Lincoln and Washington’s birthdays.
“When I was young, Presidents Day did not exist,” explained Robbins. “The country celebrated both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. Usually it meant a day off from school, and stores were often closed in honor of the day.”
She agrees the real meaning of the holiday is often forgotten, hidden beneath store sales and TV commercials that are so prevalent today.
“Now, of course, they are both collapsed into one commercial holiday, so they have changed tremendously,” said Robbins. “I thought then and now that both of the men deserve to be honored. However, if they (the holidays) just become free days to shop, one wonders what the point is.”
Bart Lambert, associate professor of political science, agreed with the thoughts of Robbins. He was in favor of having no classes on Presidents Day, but only because he believes the presidents deserve to be honored.
“I am in favor of no school on Presidents Day. Nor do I believe it should be used as a snow day,” Lambert explained. “I do feel the nation could do more to honor them- have more speeches and celebrations to support them.”
Lambert added he had grown up having respect for the leaders of America. He also shared an interesting story about a character who played the part of U.S. president on the TV show called “The West Wing.”
“The character on the show was named Josiah Bartlett,” Lambert said. “It’s really neat because that’s my first and middle name. The real Josiah Bartlett was a politician from New Hampshire. He was actually an ancestor of mine and signed the Declaration of Independence.”
Katelyn Chiccino, freshman history and political science double major, said some Americans have lost sight of the true meaning of the holiday.
“It’s really important to honor all the presidents and their accomplishments,” Chiccino said. “A lot of people don’t even know it’s a holiday. They just see it as a day off. I think, considering it’s a federal holiday, it should get more recognition, and people should realize why they have the day off.”
When it came to naming his favorite president, Lambert said Lincoln was at the top of his list.
“I’d have to say Lincoln,” said Lambert. “He saved the Union, ended slavery and redefined America.”
Robbins agreed with Lambert and said Lincoln was a great president. She also added she liked Washington as well.
“I have always favored both Washington and Lincoln,” Robbins said. “Washington for creating the country and Lincoln for saving it. Both acts were so fundamental. How can one choose between the two men?”
Robbins stated the holiday was certainly worth celebrating, but it was important to remember the men who are honored and not just the day.
“I think it’s more important to honor the men than the day,” Robbins said. “But if Americans really reflect about the enormous work done by these men because a day is set aside in their honor, then the holiday is a worthwhile event.”
