Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as
federal holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12)
and George Washington (Feb. 22).
In 1971 President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal
holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the third Monday of
February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of
America.
The Federal statute designates this day as Washington's
Birthday, President Nixon issued a proclamation declaring the
holiday as "Presidents' Day" in 1971. President Nixon erroneously
believed that a Presidential proclamation on the matter carried the
same weight as an Executive Order.
Since that change in 1971, the common term has been "Presidents'
Day".
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (February 12)
George Washington's Birthday (February 22)
1. February 12 and February 22 were federal holidays
until what year?
2. Whose birthday is on February 12th?
3. Whose birthday is on February 22nd?
4. President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal holiday,
the Presidents' Day, to be observed on which day?
5. What does the Presidents' Day holiday honor?
Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as
federal holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12)
and George Washington (Feb. 22).
Read
the holiday information on this page. Choose the correct
answer for each of the following test questions.
