"Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present."
— From History.com
I have to challenge that last sentence. I have never heard this holiday having anything to do with any other presidents than Washington or Lincoln, who both had February birthdays. I will completely agree with the desire for a longer weekend, although it doesn't seem to benefit all, as not every job in this country has a leave calendar as generous as federal workers.
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