As February rolls around each year, I always look forward to President’s Day, a holiday that’s so much more than just a day off. Living here in Warrensburg, MO, I’ve come to appreciate how this day intertwines national history with local community spirit. It’s a time when we can reflect on the leaders who have shaped our nation while finding ways to connect and give back in our town.
President’s Day allows us to reflect on the values and leadership of past presidents. It provides a chance to appreciate the principles upon which the United States was founded. Whether it’s diving into the history of the holiday, sharing fascinating facts about past presidents, or finding ways to serve our community, there’s something for everyone to engage with during this special time of year.
In this article, I want to take you on a journey through President’s Day in Warrensburg, MO. We’ll explore the holiday’s origins, uncover some fun facts about U.S. presidents, consider nearby historical sites, and suggest themed recipes to make your celebrations more festive.
And, most importantly, we’ll look at how we can honor the day’s spirit through volunteering and community service. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of President’s Day in our wonderful town.
History of President’s Day
The story of President’s Day begins in the 1880s with a celebration of George Washington’s birthday. As commander of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States, Washington was a pivotal figure in American history, and his birthday was commemorated as a federal holiday. In 1879, Washington’s birthday officially became a federal holiday, initially only for government offices in Washington, D.C. By 1885, it extended to all federal offices.
For many years, the holiday was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22. However, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays, creating more three-day weekends for federal employees. This bill took effect in 1971 and shifted Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday in February.
During the congressional debates, there was a proposal to rename President’s Day to honor Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12. Although Congress didn’t officially approve the name change, President’s Day became the common name, especially with retailers using it for promotional sales. Today, President’s Day is often seen as a day to honor all U.S. presidents, celebrating their lives and contributions to the nation.
Presidential Facts
To add a bit of fun to our President’s Day celebrations, here are some interesting facts about U.S. presidents that you might not know:
- According to the modern Gregorian calendar, George Washington wasn’t born on February 22. He was born on February 11, 1731, according to the Julian calendar, which was in use at the time. When the switch to the Gregorian calendar occurred in 1752, his birthday became February 22, 1732.
- Abraham Lincoln is the tallest president, standing at 6 feet 4 inches.
- Theodore Roosevelt was known for his love of animals. During his presidency, his family kept many pets, including a bear, a lion, and a hyena.
- Harry Truman had no middle name, just the middle initial “S.”
- James Buchanan was the only bachelor president.
These tidbits make our history more engaging and remind us that these leaders were real people with unique stories and personalities.
Visit Historical Sites
While Warrensburg, MO, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of presidential historical sites, there are still ways to connect with the past nearby. A trip to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, MO, is a great way to learn about the life and presidency of one of Missouri’s most famous figures. You can explore exhibits detailing his early life, time in the Senate, pivotal decisions during World War II and the Cold War, and post-presidency.
Another option is to visit the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, MO. While Grant wasn’t a Missourian by birth, he played a significant role in the state’s history during the Civil War. The site preserves the home of Ulysses S. Grant, his wife Julia Dent Grant, and the Dent family.
You can tour the house, learn about Grant’s military career, and understand the impact of the Civil War on Missouri and the nation. These sites offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of these leaders and the times they lived in.
Patriotic Recipes
What better way to celebrate President’s Day than with some themed recipes that bring a touch of patriotism to your table? Here are a couple of ideas for a festive President’s Day meal:
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad: This simple, refreshing salad is a crowd-pleaser. Combine strawberries, blueberries, and bananas (or white peaches) for a colorful and healthy dish. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for an extra touch.
American Flag Cake: This dessert is sure to impress. Bake a rectangular cake and frost it with white icing. Use blueberries to create the blue field in the upper left corner, and arrange rows of strawberries and whipped cream to form the stripes.
Cherry Pie: Cherries have long been associated with George Washington, thanks to the story (though likely apocryphal) of him chopping down a cherry tree and admitting, “I cannot tell a lie.” Whether the story is true or not, a cherry pie is a delicious way to honor Washington on President’s Day.
These recipes add a festive touch to your celebrations and provide an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and share some patriotic cheer with family and friends.
Volunteering Opportunities
In the spirit of service and community that President’s Day embodies, consider this holiday an opportunity to give back to Warrensburg, MO. There are numerous ways to volunteer and positively impact our town.
The Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity at the University of Central Missouri hosts events like the MLK Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser, which supports students from underprivileged backgrounds. Participating in or contributing to such initiatives can be a meaningful way to honor the values of equality and opportunity.
You can also explore opportunities with local organizations such as the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, which benefits from volunteer efforts. Volunteering at local schools, libraries, or community centers is another excellent way to contribute to the well-being of Warrensburg, MO. By engaging in acts of service, we honor the legacy of past presidents, strengthen our community’s bonds, and create a better future for all.
President’s Day in Warrensburg, MO is more than just a day off from work or school. It’s a chance to connect with our nation’s history, appreciate the leaders who have shaped our country, and celebrate the values of service and community. Whether you choose to delve into presidential facts, visit historical sites, prepare themed recipes, or volunteer your time, there are countless ways to make this holiday meaningful.
As we celebrate President’s Day, let’s remember the importance of civic engagement and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of our nation. By honoring the past and serving the present, we can create a brighter tomorrow for Warrensburg, MO, and the country as a whole.
So, this President’s Day, I encourage you to get involved, give back, and celebrate the spirit of leadership and service that defines this special day. Together, we can make Warrensburg, MO, a place where history and community thrive.
Sources: lkn-magazine.com, whitehousehistory.org, en.wikipedia.org, thecollector.com, study.com, blogs.loc.gov, brookhill.org, britannica.com, georgiasouthern.libguides.com, archives.gov, voanews.com
Header Image Source: nylesa.org
