As the calendar turns to February, I always feel a sense of anticipation, not just for the warmth that hints at the approaching spring but also for a special holiday in my heart: President’s Day. Living in McCormick Ranch, AZ, I’ve come to appreciate how this day intertwines national pride with our local community spirit. It’s a time when we reflect on the leaders who have shaped our nation, from the revered figures of the past to those who guide us today.
President’s Day is more than just a day off; it’s an opportunity to delve into the rich history of the United States and honor the individuals who have led us through triumphs and challenges. It’s a chance to connect with our neighbors, engage in patriotic celebrations, and give back to the community that makes McCormick Ranch, AZ, such a wonderful place to live. As we approach this President’s Day, I’m excited to share some ways we can make the most of this holiday, blending historical appreciation with local festivities.
So, join me as we explore the history of President’s Day, uncover fascinating presidential facts, discover nearby historical sites, indulge in themed recipes, and find meaningful ways to volunteer. Let’s make this President’s Day in McCormick Ranch, AZ, a memorable and inspiring celebration of leadership, history, and community.
History of President’s Day
The story of President’s Day begins with George Washington, the first president of the United States. Following his death in 1799, his birthday on February 22 became an unofficial day of remembrance. Washington was, and still is, venerated as one of the most important figures in American history. In 1879, Senator Stephen Wallace Dorsey of Arkansas proposed making Washington’s birthday a federal holiday.
At the time, the nation only recognized four federal holidays: the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. President Rutherford B. Hayes signed Dorsey’s proposal into law, which only applied to federal employees in Washington, D.C. In 1885, it was extended to cover all federal employees.
The shift from Washington’s Birthday to President’s Day started in 1968 when Congress proposed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This law, championed by Senator Robert McClory of Illinois, sought to shift the celebration of several federal holidays to a series of predetermined Mondays. The goal was to create more three-day weekends for federal employees.
During the debate of the bill, there was a suggestion to combine the celebration of Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays into a single federal holiday known as President’s Day. Lincoln’s birthday is February 12. Although Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. The bill passed in 1971, and President’s Day became the commonly accepted name.
Presidential Facts
Did you know that four presidents have birthdays in February? They are George Washington (February 22), Abraham Lincoln (February 12), William Henry Harrison (February 9), and Ronald Reagan (February 6).
President William Howard Taft, the 27th president, was rumored to have gotten stuck in the White House bathtub because he weighed 330 pounds. Although this was only a rumor, Taft did indeed need to travel to Panama to inspect progress on the Panama Canal.
Prior to the trip, he had a bathtub custom-built and installed for himself on the USS North Carolina. Here’s a fun fact about presidential pets: Calvin Coolidge owned a raccoon named Rebecca. She even had her own White House Christmas stocking.
Visit Historical Sites
While McCormick Ranch, AZ, might seem far removed from the historical landmarks of the East Coast, there are still opportunities to connect with presidential history nearby. The closest you may find to exploring presidential history is to visit museums or cultural centers that occasionally host exhibits related to US presidents or American history. Keep an eye on local event listings for any special President’s Day programs.
Patriotic Recipes
No President’s Day celebration is complete without a festive meal. Here are some themed recipes to add a touch of patriotism to your table:
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and bananas for a refreshing and colorful salad. Arrange the fruit in a flag pattern for an extra patriotic touch.
Star-Spangled Cookies: Bake sugar cookies and decorate them with red, white, and blue icing. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to create a festive design.
Presidential Punch: Mix cranberry juice, lemonade, and sparkling water together for a refreshing punch. Add slices of lemon, lime, and orange for garnish.
Washington’s Cherry Pie: Cherries have long been associated with George Washington. Bake a cherry pie from scratch, or purchase one at your local grocery store.
Volunteering Opportunities
President’s Day is a perfect opportunity to honor the spirit of service exemplified by many of our presidents. Here are some ways to give back to the community in McCormick Ranch, AZ:
Local Food Banks: Volunteer at a local food bank to help sort and distribute food to those in need. Many food banks experience increased demand during winter, so your help will be greatly appreciated.
Community Clean-Up: Organize a community clean-up event to help beautify McCormick Ranch, AZ. Gather friends, family, and neighbors to pick up trash and debris in parks, streets, or other public areas.
Support Veterans: Volunteering at a local veterans’ organization shows your support for veterans. You can help with fundraising, event planning, or companionship with veterans in need.
Tutor Students: Offer your time and expertise to tutor students in need. Contact local schools or community centers to inquire about tutoring opportunities.
As President’s Day approaches, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of this holiday in McCormick Ranch, AZ. Whether you delve into the history of our presidents, share fun facts with friends and family, explore nearby historical sites, indulge in themed recipes, or volunteer in the community, there are countless ways to celebrate. Let us reflect on the leadership, sacrifice, and vision of those who have guided our nation, and let us be inspired to serve our community and contribute to a brighter future.
This President’s Day, let’s remember that we are all part of a larger story, a story of a nation striving to live up to its ideals. By honoring our past, engaging in our present, and investing in our future, we can create a President’s Day that is both meaningful and memorable in McCormick Ranch, AZ. 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: fnu.edu
