Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day

Introduction Every four years in the United States, people choose a president to lead the country. Some presidents are popular. Others are less popular. Presidents' Day is a time to honor all U. S. presidents.

George Washington Presidents' Day has a lot to do with George Washington. He was the first president of the United States. Before the United States became a country, there were thirteen British colonies. The colonies wanted to be free from British rule. Washington led the army against the British. He was a great leader. After years of fighting, the army defeated the British.

People loved Washington. Some wanted Washington to be king. Washington thought no one should have the power of a king. He thought people should elect their leaders. The people elected Washington to be the first president of the United States.

Being the first president wasn't easy. People had different ideas about how to run the new country. Washington worked hard to keep the country from falling apart.

The Country Celebrates Washington's birthday is February 22. People celebrated it by setting off fireworks and firing cannon blasts. They held parades, too. In 1879, Washington's Birthday became a national holiday. He was the first person to be given that honor.