Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to visit Washington, DC and pay tribute to America’s most famous leaders. The national holiday, Presidents’ Day, was originally a commemoration of George Washington’s birthday. America’s first president was born on February 22, 1732. After Washington’s death, our nation began celebrating his birthday as a way to remember his life and how he contributed to establishing America’s independence.
In 1865, the year after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, America began celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th. Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined the two holidays into one and ever since we have honored all past presidents on the third Monday of February. Special festivities are held in the Washington DC area throughout the weekend.
The following are some special events for Presidents’ Day in Washington DC area:
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
Noon
23rd & Constitution Ave.
NW Washington, DC
Honor Abraham Lincoln at a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the “Gettysburg Address.”
George Washington Birthday Parade
1-3 p.m
See the country’s largest Presidents’ Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria through the streets where Washington once walked. See photos of the parade. Spend the day exploring historic sites in Old Town Alexandria , the historic Virginia town that was an important port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Celebrate George Washington’s birthday with three days of special events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens . Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to explore the 500-acre estate and learn more about the life of the first president of the United States.
M A Birthnight Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
5:30pm
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Each year, the Saturday night before President’s Day, a Birthnight Ball is held at Gadby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The ball is complete with toasts, dinner, a historical program and George Washington’s favorite 18th century dances. Gadsby’s Tavern is one of the few 18th century taverns still in use in the United States. George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson frequently attended dances, theatrical performances and meetings here. Reservations are required as this event always sells out!
Alexandria’s Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Get your running shoes laced up and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Alexandria’s Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race.
Revolutionary War Reenactment
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA
The Fort Ward Museum located at 4301 W. Braddock Road, in Alexandria, Virginia, stages “Historic Camp and Tactical Demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the “Redcoats” and the Colonials.”
For the detailed information, go to: http://dc.about.com/cs/walkingtours/a/presidentsday.htm
