Mary Anne
Presidents’ Day was first celebrated on the 22nd of February every year, in commemoration of George Washington’s birthday. However, in the 1970’s, in order to have an extra three day holiday, it was changed to be celebrated the third Monday every February instead.
The first president of the United States, George Washington, was born February 22, 1732 and was never one to celebrate a birthday. However, as he became older, he was often thrown parties by others. Eventually, balls were held in his honor, to celebrate his birthday.
Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743, was no fan of birthday celebrations either. A friend of his told that once Mr. Jefferson has stated that he only believed in the celebration of one birthday, and that was this nation’s, which fell on July 4.
James Polk came into this world on November 2, 1795 and was actually the very first president to celebrate his 50th birthday while in office. However, it is said that he did not even know it was his birthday, that day, until he sat listening to a sermon in church that day. Since Polk, only six other United States presidents have celebrate their 50th while in office.
Franklin Roosevelt’s date of birth was January 30, 1882. He hosted, for his 52nd birthday, a toga party, inside the very White House. He was in attendance, dressed up like Caesar, while Eleanor Roosevelt, his first lady, came dressed like the Oracle of Delphi. All the guests in attendance wore Grecian headbands as well as white robes.
Calvin Coolidge shared a date of birth with the very country he presided over: July 4. He was born in the year 1872 and was the only United States president to have ever been born on the fourth of July. Three presidents, however, died on a July 4, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe.
The most historic and well-remembered birthday party ever to be celebrated by a United States president was that of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He was born May 29, 1917 and his 45th birthday celebration was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was here where superstar Marilyn Monroe sang her sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”.
Only two United States presidents actually shared the same birthday: Warren Harding and James Polk were both born on the second of November.
