By designating the day as Presidents Day, as opposed to separate birthday celebrations, it is too easy to associate the day with a current president. When part of the citizen body is disgruntled with a current president, many reject the day out of disapproval of the administration then in the White House. |
February is Black History Month and an appropriate time to focus on Lincoln, who is known as the Great Emancipator because he freed black Americans from slavery. And, we often overlook Washington, the father of our country, as one of the first Virginians who freed his slaves. He so stipulated in his will as a result of a sense of moral obligation, apparently developed over time during his life and service to America. |
The day has become a holiday celebrated by retail discounts and coupons. Unfortunately, we forget the freedom we enjoy as a result of these presidents service to the country. And that's sad because the two presidents honored on Presidents Day are integral to our national ethos, our national character. |