President's Day

President's Day is set aside to honor all of the presidents - both current and past! The third Monday in February is set aside as President's Day. It is an official federal holiday. And there will be many different events honoring this day.

Since it is considered a federal holiday non-essential federal government offices are closed. All federal employees are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday receive wages for that day in addition to holiday pay. Private banks, stock and futures exchanges are generally closed on these days as well.

source
Wikipedia

President Day Links

• Presidents Day Sales (About 30 years ago a lot of stores closed on this day!)
  
  
• What I have found that is very interesting about the observance of this holiday is that different states have different official ways of observing this holiday. You can read more about it by clicking here
  
  
• Link to the official website of the White House's website for more information about President's Day
  
  

Fun Facts!

• In New Mexico, President's Day, at least as a state government paid holiday, is observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving
  
  
• This day is also used to honor war veterans
  
  
• Over time, as with many federal holidays, few Americans actually celebrate Presidents Day, and it is mainly known as a day off from work or school, although most non-governmental workers do not get the day off.
  
  
• Community celebrations often display a lengthy heritage. Historic Alexandria, Virginia, hosts a month-long tribute, including the longest running George Washington Birthday parade
  

Valentine's Day

Lincoln's Birthday

According to Wikipedia, Lincoln's birthday is a legal holiday in only some states. A lot of states recognize Lincoln's birthay as part of President's Day.

Although Lincoln's Birthday had never been designated as a federal holiday, it was observed as a state holiday in many parts of the country.

Here is a link to a site that has information about Abraham Lincoln and his life.

And here is a link to a site about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Illinois

Ash Wednesday

In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays). It falls on a different date each year, because it is dependent on the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

source
Wikipedia

Related Links:

• What is Ash Wednesday and what do Christians celebrate on Ash Wednesday?
  
  
• Catholic Encyclopedia - What Is Ash Wednesday
  
  
• Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday?

GroundHog Day

Groundhog Day or Groundhog's Day is a holiday celebrated in United States and Canada on February 2. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot, or ground squirrel, emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return into its burrow, and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks

source
Wikipedia