Fin's Corner Every year, on the third Monday of February, we celebrate Presidents day. For many people it’s an extra day off of work, though not many people really know the full meaning behind the holiday. Originally, this day was for celebrating President George Washington’s Birthday, 1796; the last official year of his Presidency. By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birth night Balls in various regions, speeches and receptions given by public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states. Even though Lincoln’s birthday isn’t an official holiday, many Americans still consider it a part of the holiday, and celebrate it with just as much respect. One way to celebrate Presidents Day with children is with a fun craft projects, Paper Top Hats! Things you will need: black construction paper, glue, tape, and scissors. 1st. Cut the construction paper into a circle for the bottom brim of the hat. 2nd. Inside that circle, cut a whole big enough to fit your head. 3rd. Glue, or tape, which ever you prefer, the bottom to two pieces of black construction paper. 4th. Wear your hat on Presidents day to celebrate two great Presidents. Make this year’s Presidents Day a good one, remembering the Presidents who helped make this country what it is today. © Copyright 2003-2006 by Findlay Living™ and DynamiKComm, Inc. |
