Celebrating the "Traditional" Washington's Birthday
Now that most of the sales are just about through, maybe we can actually turn to the George Washington part of Washington's Birthday.
The federal holiday Washington's Birthday is intended to honor the accomplishments of the man who is known to his fellow citizens as "The Father of our Country". Celebrated for his patriotism, leadership, and statesmanship, the holiday also encourages the investigation of early colonial life, the importing of slavery from the Old World, and what it took to achieve a young country's independence in the midst of not all its citizens being free.
The holiday is also a tribute to the General who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington's 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart recognizes injuries received in battle. Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Washington's Birthday weekend has turned into yet another time to honor the country's veterans.
This year marks the 275th anniversary of George Washington's birth (February 22, 1732 (NS) and on February 11, 1731 (OS)), and the 75th anniversary of the reinstitution of the Purple Heart.
The largest and most comprehensive events take place in Alexandria, Virginia (home of Mount Vernon). There is a month-long celebration highlighted by what is described as the longes-running George Washington Birthday parade.
However, other communities join in the celebration as well. Eustis, Florida continues its annual "George Fest" celebration begun in 1902.
In Arkansas, the third Monday in February is "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gaston Bates Day," an official state holiday (honoring an Arkansas native who was an Civil Rights leader, journalist, publisher, and author).
Since 1862, there has been a tradition in the U.S. Senate that George Washington's Farewell Address be read on his birthday. Citizens had asked that this be done in light of the approaching Civil War. The annual tradition continues with the reading of the address on or near Washington's Birthday.
The federal holiday Washington's Birthday is intended to honor the accomplishments of the man who is known to his fellow citizens as "The Father of our Country". Celebrated for his patriotism, leadership, and statesmanship, the holiday also encourages the investigation of early colonial life, the importing of slavery from the Old World, and what it took to achieve a young country's independence in the midst of not all its citizens being free.
The holiday is also a tribute to the General who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington's 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart recognizes injuries received in battle. Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Washington's Birthday weekend has turned into yet another time to honor the country's veterans.
This year marks the 275th anniversary of George Washington's birth (February 22, 1732 (NS) and on February 11, 1731 (OS)), and the 75th anniversary of the reinstitution of the Purple Heart.
The largest and most comprehensive events take place in Alexandria, Virginia (home of Mount Vernon). There is a month-long celebration highlighted by what is described as the longes-running George Washington Birthday parade.
However, other communities join in the celebration as well. Eustis, Florida continues its annual "George Fest" celebration begun in 1902.
In Arkansas, the third Monday in February is "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gaston Bates Day," an official state holiday (honoring an Arkansas native who was an Civil Rights leader, journalist, publisher, and author).
Since 1862, there has been a tradition in the U.S. Senate that George Washington's Farewell Address be read on his birthday. Citizens had asked that this be done in light of the approaching Civil War. The annual tradition continues with the reading of the address on or near Washington's Birthday.
posted by eric model | 5:09 AM
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