Washington's Birthday

My Junior Editor and I spent quite a bit of time researching Presidents' Day -- and learned some very interesting information. (I remember as a youngster honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's individual birthdays in school, so I wondered what prompted the change to "Presidents' Day".)  First, I cannot tell a lie, this is a bit confusing.  But, the bottom line is this:  there is no federal "Presidents' Day".  The official federal name is "Washington's Birthday".  The birth of George Washington, the first president of the United States, has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1885.  In 1971, the federal observance was shifted to the third Monday in February.  It was not named Presidents' Day, instead it remained Washington's Birthday.  The intent of the date change was to continue to honor the life and legacy of Washington, while providing a long weekend for federal employees.  Subsequently, some states and localities have created their own name for the holiday, with some opting for Presidents' Day.  Some states, like the State of Florida, opt not to recognize it.  All state offices here are open today.  To see the federal holiday calendar, with an explanation about George Washington's Birthday, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Now, with that somewhat confusing history lesson behind us, let's discuss today's photo. Several weeks ago, I encountered this adorable tin roof barn in rural Sarasota County.  I figured, with that wonderful colonial flag, I'd hold this photo until Independence Day...until I remembered George Washington's Birthday.  And...voila!  God bless America.  Thank you Washington!