Presidents' Day
Honor the leaders who shaped America. Reflect on civic values, leadership, and the pursuit of a more perfect union.
What Is Presidents' Day?
Presidents' Day, officially known as Washington's Birthday, is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February. While originally established to honor George Washington, the first U.S. president, it has evolved to celebrate all American presidents and reflect on the office of the presidency.
The holiday falls between Washington's birthday (February 22) and Lincoln's birthday (February 12), making February the perfect month to reflect on leadership, democratic values, and the ongoing work of building and improving our nation. It's also a time to consider the qualities that make great leaders and how we can embody those values in our own lives.
Why Celebrate?
Honor Leadership and Service
Presidents' Day reminds us to appreciate those who serve in leadership roles, whether at the national, community, or organizational level. Leadership requires sacrifice and dedication.
Reflect on Civic Values
Use the day to consider democratic principles, civic responsibility, and what it means to be an engaged citizen. Great occasions for team discussions about values and mission.
Appreciate Your Own Leaders
It's a perfect opportunity to thank the leaders in your workplace, community, or family—those who guide, inspire, and create positive change.
Educational Opportunity
For families and educators, Presidents' Day offers a chance to explore American history, discuss leadership qualities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Ways to Celebrate
Thank Your Workplace Leaders
Create a group card from the team thanking your manager, CEO, or department head for their leadership, vision, and dedication. Recognize the work that often goes unseen.
Share Leadership Lessons
Ask team members to contribute their favorite leadership quotes, lessons learned from leaders they admire, or qualities they value in great leadership.
Community Leaders Appreciation
Send a card to local leaders—school principals, nonprofit directors, community organizers—who make your community better. Civic leadership deserves recognition too.
Family History & Values
Create a family card where everyone shares what leadership means to them or a family member who exemplified great leadership. Build a legacy of values.
Student & Teacher Celebration
Perfect for schools! Have students create messages about leaders they admire or leadership qualities they want to develop. Send to a mentor or principal.
Team Vision & Goals
Use Presidents' Day as a kickoff for discussing team vision, values, and goals. Send a card afterward capturing commitments and collective aspirations.
Presidents' Day Message Ideas
"Thank you for leading with integrity, vision, and care. Your guidance makes us better individually and as a team. Grateful to work under your leadership!"
"Your leadership shapes not just our company, but our careers and futures. Thank you for steering us with purpose and inspiring us to reach higher. Happy Presidents' Day!"
"You make our community stronger, safer, and more connected. Thank you for your service, dedication, and the countless hours you invest in making this place better."
"You lead a classroom, but your impact reaches far beyond. Thank you for shaping young minds, modeling integrity, and inspiring the next generation of leaders."
"Great leaders create more leaders. Thank you for believing in me, guiding my growth, and showing me what principled leadership looks like in action."
"Leadership isn't just top-down—it's how we show up for each other every day. Grateful to be part of a team where everyone leads with excellence and heart."
"You're the first leader I ever knew—teaching me right from wrong, how to stand up for what matters, and the power of leading by example. Thank you, always."
"You lead with passion, compassion, and purpose. Thank you for dedicating your talents to making the world better and inspiring others to do the same."
Tips for the Perfect Presidents' Day Card
Focus on Leadership Qualities
Highlight specific leadership traits you appreciate—vision, integrity, empathy, decisiveness. Concrete examples make messages more meaningful than generic praise.
Keep It Professional But Warm
Especially for workplace cards, balance professionalism with genuine appreciation. You can be heartfelt without being overly familiar or casual.
Include Historical Quotes
Washington, Lincoln, and other presidents left powerful quotes about leadership and service. Including one can add gravitas and inspiration to your card.
Make It About Impact
Don't just thank someone for being a leader—explain the impact they've had. How have they changed your team, your career, or your community for the better?
Common Questions
Is Presidents' Day only about Washington and Lincoln?
While the holiday originated to honor Washington (and is often associated with Lincoln), it has evolved to honor all U.S. presidents and reflect on the office of the presidency more broadly.
Can I celebrate non-presidential leaders on Presidents' Day?
Absolutely! The day is perfect for honoring any leader—workplace managers, community organizers, teachers, or family members. Leadership takes many forms.
Is it appropriate to send a Presidents' Day card at work?
Yes! It's a great opportunity to show appreciation for workplace leadership. Keep messages professional, specific, and focused on leadership qualities and impact.
Should I avoid politics in a Presidents' Day card?
Yes. Focus on universal leadership qualities—integrity, vision, service—rather than partisan politics. The goal is to unite and appreciate, not divide.
How can schools celebrate Presidents' Day meaningfully?
Discuss leadership qualities, explore presidential history, create group cards for school leaders, or have students write about leaders they admire. Focus on values and character.
Other February Occasions
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