As President’s Day approaches, I always find myself reflecting on the leaders who have shaped the United States. This year, I am excited to explore how we can celebrate President’s Day right here in Des Moines, WA. From understanding the holiday’s origins to finding local ways to commemorate and contribute, there’s so much to discover and appreciate. President’s Day is more than just a day off; it’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of the presidents who have led our nation through various challenges and triumphs.
Whether it’s learning about the historical context of the holiday, sharing interesting facts about past presidents, or finding ways to give back to our community, there are countless ways to engage with the spirit of President’s Day in Des Moines, WA. Let’s dive into the rich history, traditions, and community-focused activities that make this holiday special.
Join me as we uncover the historical roots of President’s Day, share fascinating presidential trivia, discover nearby historical sites, suggest festive recipes, and explore meaningful volunteering opportunities. Together, let’s make this President’s Day in Des Moines, WA, a memorable and impactful celebration of leadership and service.
History of President’s Day
The origins of President’s Day trace back to the late 19th century, initially established to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first U.S. president. Born on February 22, 1732, Washington was venerated as a pivotal figure in American history, and his birthday became an unofficial day of remembrance following his death in 1799.
In 1879, Senator Stephen Wallace Dorsey of Arkansas proposed making Washington’s birthday a federal holiday, which was signed into law by President Rutherford B. Hayes. At the time, the nation only recognized four federal holidays: the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The holiday initially only applied to federal employees in Washington, D.C., but it was expanded to include all federal workers in 1885.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays, creating more three-day weekends for federal employees. This bill, which went into effect in 1971, shifted Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday in February.
During the congressional debates, there was a proposal to rename President’s Day to honor Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12. Although Congress rejected the name change, the holiday became popularly known as President’s Day, partly due to retailers using the name to promote sales.
Today, President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of February and is widely recognized as a day to honor all U.S. presidents. While the official name remains Washington’s Birthday at the federal level, many states and cities celebrate it as President’s Day, sometimes including other presidents like Abraham Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson. Public ceremonies mark the holiday, the closure of government offices and schools, and retail sales.
Presidential Facts
To add a bit of fun and intrigue to our President’s Day celebration, here are some interesting facts about U.S. presidents:
George Washington’s teeth weren’t made of wood. Despite the popular myth, Washington’s dentures were made from various materials, including gold, ivory, and human teeth.
Abraham Lincoln was a licensed bartender. Before entering politics, Lincoln co-owned a tavern called Berry and Lincoln in New Salem, Illinois.
Thomas Jefferson was an inventor. Jefferson designed many inventions, including a revolving bookstand, a macaroni machine, and an improved plow.
Herbert Hoover and the Great Cheese: In 1837, President Andrew Jackson celebrated Washington’s birthday with a giant wheel of cheese weighing 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms), which he shared with guests.
Four presidents were born in February: Besides George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, William Henry Harrison (born February 9) and Ronald Reagan (born February 6) also have February birthdays.
Richard Nixon’s humble beginnings: Richard Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, on his family’s citrus farm.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Lincoln Day Luncheon: In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson held a Lincoln Day luncheon at the White House to commemorate Lincoln’s birthday.
Barack Obama’s White House Webpage Revamp: In 2015, President Barack Obama commemorated President’s Day by revamping the White House web pages about each U.S. president.
Visit Historical Sites
While Des Moines, WA, may not have direct presidential landmarks, several significant historical sites within a reasonable driving distance offer insights into American history and leadership.
Mount Rainier National Park: While not directly related to presidents, visiting this park offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Washington State, which Theodore Roosevelt championed conservation.
Seattle Underground Tour: Explore the underground remnants of old Seattle and learn about the city’s history, including its growth during the terms of various presidents.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): While not a traditional historical site, MoPOP often features exhibits that touch on American cultural history influenced by different presidential eras.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum: Travel South to Tacoma, WA, and you can experience life in Washington Territory, which covers a lot of early American History in the region.
These sites provide a broader perspective on American history and the context in which various presidents served. They offer an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey and the leaders who guided it.
Patriotic Recipes
To add a festive touch to your President’s Day celebration in Des Moines, WA, here are a few themed recipes perfect for a patriotic meal:
Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle: Layer fresh strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream in a glass bowl for a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies: Bake sugar cookies in star shapes and decorate them with red, white, and blue icing and sprinkles.
Patriotic Potato Salad: Prepare a classic potato salad and garnish it with paprika and chopped chives to create a red, white, and blue effect.
American Flag Fruit Pizza: Arrange fresh berries in an American flag pattern on top of a large sugar cookie “pizza” crust spread with cream cheese frosting.
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: Bake red velvet cupcakes and top them with a swirl of cream cheese frosting garnished with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
These recipes are delicious and add a fun, patriotic flair to your President’s Day gathering.
Volunteering Opportunities
In the spirit of service and community, President’s Day is an excellent opportunity to give back to Des Moines, WA. Here are some local volunteering options to consider:
Highline Area Food Bank: Help sort and distribute food to families in need in the Des Moines area.
Des Moines Activity Center: Volunteer to help with programs and activities for seniors and community members.
City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation: Participate in park clean-up events or help with recreational programs.
Habitat for Humanity: Contribute to building affordable housing in the Des Moines area.
Local Schools: Volunteer at local schools to help with tutoring, mentoring, or school events.
By volunteering, we honor the values of leadership and service that President’s Day represents, positively impacting our community.
As we celebrate President’s Day in Des Moines, WA, I hope this guide inspires you to reflect on the holiday’s significance, engage with our community, and honor the leaders who have shaped our nation. From understanding the history of President’s Day to volunteering and enjoying patriotic treats, there are countless ways to make this day meaningful.
President’s Day is more than just a holiday; it reminds us of the principles and values our nation’s leaders have strived to uphold. By participating in local events, learning about presidential history, and giving back to our community, we can keep the spirit of leadership and service alive in Des Moines, WA.
Let’s use this President’s Day as an opportunity to unite, celebrate our nation’s heritage, and contribute to a brighter future for Des Moines, WA, and beyond. Happy President’s Day!
Sources: lkn-magazine.com, whitehousehistory.org, en.wikipedia.org, thecollector.com, study.com, blogs.loc.gov, brookhill.org, britannica.com, georgiasouthern.libguides.com, archives.gov, voanews.com
Header Image Source: hpa.pasco.k12.fl.us
