Presidents Day 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Federal Holiday in Michigan
A Look at the History, Significance, and Observances of Presidents Day
A Day to Honor U.S. Presidents
Every February, Americans celebrate Presidents Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the legacy of the nation’s leaders. While it originally began as a tribute to George Washington’s birthday, the holiday has evolved into a broader recognition of all U.S. presidents.
In 2025, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 17, and will be observed as a federal holiday across the United States, including Michigan. This means that schools, government offices, and many businesses will be closed in observance of the day.
Here’s everything you need to know about Presidents Day, its history, and what will be open or closed in Michigan.
What is Presidents Day?
Presidents Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February each year. It honors the birthdays of two of the most influential leaders in American history:
George Washington, the first U.S. president, born on February 22, 1732
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, born on February 12, 1809
Although it is commonly referred to as Presidents Day, the official federal name of the holiday is still Washington’s Birthday. The name change happened unofficially after the holiday was moved to a Monday to create a long weekend for workers.
The History of Presidents Day
How Did Presidents Day Begin?
The holiday originated as a tribute to George Washington, the first president of the United States and one of the founding fathers of the nation.
Key Moments in History:
1879: Congress declared February 22 as a federal holiday to honor Washington’s contributions to the nation.
1885: The holiday was expanded to include all federal workers across the U.S.
1971: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed the date of Washington’s Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February. This was done to create more three-day weekends for workers.
Why Do We Call It Presidents Day?
Although the holiday was originally meant to celebrate Washington, it now honors multiple U.S. presidents, especially Washington and Lincoln. The name Presidents Day became popular because the new date fell between both of their birthdays.
However, the official federal name of the holiday remains Washington’s Birthday, as Congress never formally changed it.
Who Were George Washington and Abraham Lincoln?
George Washington (1732-1799)
George Washington was the first president of the United States and played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
Key Facts About Washington:
Led the U.S. to victory in the Revolutionary War
Became the first president in 1789, serving two terms
Often called the "Father of the Nation" for his leadership in establishing the U.S. government
Washington’s leadership and vision set the foundation for the democracy that continues today.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and led the nation during the Civil War.
Lincoln’s Legacy:
Issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the U.S.
Fought to keep the Union together during the Civil War
Delivered the famous Gettysburg Address, emphasizing unity and freedom
Lincoln’s leadership during one of the most challenging times in U.S. history makes him one of the most respected presidents.
When is Presidents Day in 2025?
Presidents Day 2025 falls on Monday, February 17.
This means many schools, banks, post offices, and government buildings will be closed in observance of the holiday. However, some private businesses and retail stores may remain open with special discounts or sales.
How is Presidents Day Celebrated?
Presidents Day is a time to reflect on the contributions of U.S. presidents and their impact on the country.
Common Ways People Observe the Holiday:
Educational Activities: Schools and museums often hold programs about American history and past presidents.
Public Ceremonies: Wreath-laying ceremonies and events take place at historical sites, such as Mount Vernon (Washington’s home).
Shopping Discounts: Many retailers offer Presidents Day sales, making it a great time for shopping.
Community Events: Some cities host parades or public events to recognize the contributions of past presidents.
What’s Open and Closed in Michigan on Presidents Day?
Since Presidents Day is a federal holiday, many government services will not be available. Here’s what to expect in Michigan:
Closed on Presidents Day:
Government offices (such as the DMV, courthouses, and city halls)
U.S. Post Office (no mail delivery)
Most banks and financial institutions
Public schools and some universities
Open on Presidents Day:
Most grocery stores and supermarkets
Many shopping malls and retail stores (with special holiday sales)
Some restaurants and coffee shops
Some public transportation services (check local schedules)
If you have errands to run, it’s best to check in advance whether a specific business or service will be open.
Interesting Facts About Presidents Day
Did You Know?
Washington’s Birthday is still the official name of the holiday. Congress never officially changed it to Presidents Day.
Some states celebrate additional presidents, like Thomas Jefferson or Franklin D. Roosevelt, as part of the holiday.
The holiday never actually falls on Washington or Lincoln’s birthdays due to the third Monday scheduling rule.
Conclusion: Why Presidents Day Matters
Presidents Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a chance to honor the leaders who shaped the country. From George Washington’s fight for independence to Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, this holiday is a reminder of the legacy of America’s presidents.
Whether you’re taking the day off, learning about history, or taking advantage of sales, Presidents Day remains an important part of U.S. culture.
Disclaimer
This content has been created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. While we strive to deliver accurate and reliable content, it may not always reflect the latest developments or expert opinions. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance and verify the information independently before making decisions based on this content.
This information is sourced from Detroit Free Press
About the Creator
Reader Media News
Welcome to Reader Media – your go-to source for the latest news, expert insights, and in-depth articles across business, tech, health, entertainment, sports, and more. Stay informed and engaged with the world through quality content.
Keep reading
More stories from Reader Media News and writers in History and other communities.
Politico Loses Government Funding After $8 Million in Contracts Are Exposed
The White House has officially cut off all government funding to Politico after it was revealed that the news outlet had received more than $8 million in taxpayer money through subscription deals and other contracts. The decision was announced on Wednesday by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who emphasized that such spending did not serve the interests of the American people.
By Reader Media Newsabout a year ago in Education
Who is Bashir Zeb, the head of the banned organization BLA?
Before the attacks carried out on several cities including Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, the banned separatist organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had released a video. In this picture , armed men can be seen riding three motorcycles at an unidentified deserted location. Only one of the six individuals’ face is visible. According to the banned organization, this person was the head of the BLA, Bashir Zeb, and it was also claimed that Bashir Zeb personally took part in these attacks. The BLA did not clarify where the video was recorded; however, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti claimed that the video was filmed in Afghanistan. It should be noted that last Saturday armed militants targeted various installations in Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Nushki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Turbat, Tump, Gwadar, Pasni and several other areas. According to the provincial chief minister, a total of 31 civilians and 17 security personnel were killed in these attacks, while the government claimed that 145 militants were also killed. The banned BLA has been active in Balochistan for more than a decade, but in recent years the scope and intensity of attacks by the organization and its subsidiary group Majeed Brigade have increased. The BLA has been declared a banned organization by both Pakistan and the United States. It is worth recalling that since the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi in November 2018, Bashir Zeb has been wanted by the Government of Pakistan in numerous cases involving attacks carried out by the BLA. These include the planning of the 2020 attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange, the planning of the female suicide bombing targeting Chinese teachers at Karachi University, and the attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers near Karachi Airport. In the airport attack case, a court has already declared him an absconder. However, there was a time when Bashir Zeb was active in student politics on the streets of Quetta. We spoke to journalists and former and current security officials, and also reviewed Bashir Zeb’s own writings and interviews given as chairman of BSO Azad, in order to understand who Bashir Zeb is and how he became part of this organization.
By Hashim Khan 5 days ago in History
Evolution Of Human
Human Evolution: The Long Journey from Primate Ancestors to Modern Humans Human evolution is one of the most fascinating and complex stories in the history of life on Earth. It explains how modern humans, Homo sapiens, emerged through millions of years of biological, environmental, and cultural change. This journey is not a straight line of progress but a branching tree filled with experiments, adaptations, extinctions, and remarkable survival strategies. By studying fossils, genetics, archaeology, and comparative anatomy, scientists have pieced together a detailed narrative of how humans evolved physically, cognitively, and socially.
By Ibrahim Shah 3 days ago in History
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 02/05/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal4 days ago in Resources
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.