Diana Rudeen
2017-2018 National Americanism Ambassador/Patriotic Instructor
Presidents Day / Keeping Patriotism Alive
Washington’s Birthday honors George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is widely known as “Presidents Day” by organizations other than the federal government in honor of other American presidents such as Abraham Lincoln (who was born February 12). While many states have renamed their state holiday “Presidents Day,” the legal name of the federal holiday remains “Washington’s Birthday.”
Congress first honored George Washington with a federal holiday on February 22, 1879 (Washington’s actual birthday). On January 1, 1971, Congress shifted the federal holiday to the third Monday in February.
The holiday honors the accomplishments of Washington, who created the first military badge of merit for the common solider. The Purple Heart Medal (revived on Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932 and bears his image) is awarded to soldiers who are injured in battle.
By the mid-1980s, the term “Presidents Day” began to appear in public, widely due to the advertising and marketing industries. Both “Presidents Day” and “Presidents’ Day” are correct usages of the term.
We are already halfway through the “Catch the Dream for Our Veterans” 2017-2018 Program Year. Thank you for keeping patriotism alive in the hearts and minds of the American people. Please utilize the resources available on the Program & Publicity Resources page (www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources) under Americanism. These resources help to promote the four goals of this program:
- Flag Education
- Promote Patriotism
- POW MIA Recognition
- Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
In addition to the four goals listed above, an area of emphasis this year is our Gold Star Mothers and Families. I encouraged everyone to honor these families on their special day (last Sunday in September). While Gold Star Mother’s & Family’s Day has passed this Program Year, it is important to always remember the mothers and other family members who gave the supreme sacrifice when our service members lost their lives in the line of duty or in support of military activities.
Has your Auxiliary or District hosted a Family Freedom Festival? We’ve seen photos of some wonderful events across the country and I look forward to hearing from more Auxiliaries and Districts’ Family Freedom Festivals this spring and summer. Need some inspiration? Check out the Family Freedom Festival Tool Kit for ideas and resources on how to promote and host a great event.
I thank each and every one of you for promoting Americanism and patriotism throughout this great nation. Remember to report all of you hard work and take credit where credit is due. The four Conference Chairman and I are here to assist you reaching all of your program goals and becoming 100% reported and participated in the Americanism Program.
Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for all you do for our veterans!
