Happy Presidents’ Day!

For me, Presidents’ Day has always been a deeply personal moment, not just a day off or a chance for sales, but a time to reflect on the remarkable journey of our nation and the people who have shaped it. Officially, this holiday honors Washington’s Birthday, the federal holiday created in the late 1800s to celebrate George Washington. Later, the date was moved to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, and over time it came to be known popularly as Presidents’ Day, a day many Americans use to honor all of our presidents.

Growing up in Massachusetts and New England, this holiday always carried an extra layer of meaning for me. I remember walking the same streets and historic paths where our nation’s Founding Fathers once stood, debated, and acted. The history was not something distant; it was underfoot, around every corner, engraved into the buildings and cobblestone paths of places like Boston.

One experience that stays with me is the multiple walks on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile route through Boston that links 16 of the most significant sites in early American history. (americantrails.org) As a young person, I wandered along that red brick path, imagining conversations at Faneuil Hall, pausing at the Granary Burying Ground where revolutionary leaders rest, and standing outside the Old North Church where the lanterns signaled Paul Revere’s famous ride. (thefreedomtrail.org) These were not just places on a map; they were the footsteps of people who shaped the destiny of a nation.

Walking those streets, where patriots once marched toward liberty, where debates stirred the sparks of revolution, was inspiring in a way no textbook ever could match. The history felt tangible, living, and immediate. It wasn’t just about memorizing dates and names; it was about feeling the courage and conviction of those early Americans as they forged a new path for freedom and self government.

That connection to place and history is part of why Presidents’ Day resonates with me so deeply. It’s a chance to honor leadership, both the triumphs and challenges, and to remember that the privileges we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice and steadfast commitment to principles larger than any individual.

Here in Citrus County Schools, we strive to instill that same sense of respect and understanding in our students. Patriotism is woven into our culture, and we are proud to be recognized as the first Purple Heart School District in the nation and home to numerous Florida Purple Star Schools that support military families. This shared commitment to service and community mirrors the very ideals that presidents throughout history have worked to protect.

If you’re looking for ways to explore this holiday meaningfully with your family, consider deeper dives into presidential history. One book I often recommend is The Presidents Club: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, which offers fascinating insight into how presidents from Herbert Hoover through Barack Obama supported and sometimes challenged one another across time. Another classic is 1776 by David McCullough, which brings to life George Washington and the Continental Army during the critical first year of the Revolutionary War.

Today, as we observe Presidents’ Day, I invite you to reflect not just on the office of the presidency, but on the people and principles that define it. Take time to learn, to discuss with those around you, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of leadership that continues to shape our nation.

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