Our nation’s first president, George Washington, was born on Feb. 22, and his birthday has been celebrated since he was in office.
Another great president, Abraham Lincoln, was also born this month. To celebrate both remarkable men, Congress considered in 1968 whether to rename the holiday “Presidents Day.” Though the proposal failed, Congress chose to move the official recognition of the day to the first Monday between Washington’s birthday and Lincoln’s, which falls on Feb. 12. During the 1980s, advertisers began using the term “Presidents Day,” and the holiday’s popular name stuck.
Today the Military Family Research Institute pays homage to the millions of men and women who have offered their lives in service to the country. We also thank the military families who have steadfastly supported the United States of America by supporting the service members or veterans in their lives. As we do so, we reflect on two presidential quotes that more adequately express our appreciation.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
–George Washington
"I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country."
–Abraham Lincoln