In between the retail store sales, family barbecues, friendly get-togethers, trips to the amusement parks, gatherings at public parks, and overstaffed yet under-stocked car dealerships advertising competitive pricing, AFGE Council 100 wants to wish you all a happy and safe 2022 President’s Day! This is not just another paid holiday—working or not—but it is a significant day created for a specific reason, which you can read more about below.
Though it may not be widely known, the origin of President’s Day began in 1800, only one year after President George Washington’s death in 1799. People began celebrating his birthday on February 22nd—and each year thereafter as a day of remembrance. It was not until the 1880s that George Washington’s birthday was celebrated as an actual federal holiday.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays, including President’s Day, to Monday to lengthen the weekend to three days during certain weeks throughout the year. Nevertheless, many people in the U.S. have unofficially celebrated President’s Day to honor both our first and sixteenth presidents, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, respectively.
Today, President’s Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday in February, is used to acknowledge the births and lives of all U.S. presidents—not just Presidents Washington and Lincoln—as in times past. As public servants, who serve directly under the Executive Branch, it is an honor and privilege to recognize those who led our country, shaped the way of life, and played a role in changing public policy which has greatly benefited and impacted our society.
While we also acknowledge the fact that no U.S. president has been perfect, adhered to all our needs or wants as employees of government, or may have been our candidate of choice, we give respect for their service and celebrate this day in our great democracy. Finally, Council 100 wants to thank you for your work as federal employees, your commitment to this noble cause, and your continued service. Please keep your friends and family close, be safe during this weekend, and do not drink and drive. Visit us at www.afgecouncil100.org and on social media.
In Solidarity,
AFGE Council 100
Hydrick Thomas, President | Mac Johnson, Council Executive Vice President | Johnny Jones, Council Secretary-Treasurer | Shabay Izquierdo, Region 1 V.P. | John Hubert, Region 2 V.P. | Janis Casey, Region 3 V.P. | Becky Mancha, Region 4 V.P. | Greg Biel, Region 5 V.P. | Bobby Orozco Jr., Region 6 V.P. | Joe Shuker, Region 7 V.P. | Victor Payes Martinez, Fair Practices Coordinator | Concetta Fialkowski, Women’s Coordinator | Christopher Blessing, AFGE Council 100 Attorney