Presidents’ Day 2023: See what’s closed and open

George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on February 11, 1731 as per the Julian calendar, but when the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1752, his birthday changed to February 22, 1732. In 1778, the first-ever public celebration of Washington's birthday was held at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where the Continental Army led by General Washington was encamped. Three years after this celebration, his army won a significant victory over the British at Yorktown, Virginia.

Washington's birthday was recognized as a lawful holiday on February 22 in 1789, coinciding with his unanimous election as the inaugural president of the United States. He completed two terms from 1789 to 1797 and declined a third term. Washington passed away two years later in 1799.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Bill was passed by Congress in 1968 to ensure that federally recognized holidays were observed uniformly. This led to the shifting of Washington's birthday to the third Monday in February and the holiday came to be widely known as "Presidents’ Day" to pay tribute to all those who have served in the presidential office. Despite this, all official federal documents continue to refer to it as "Washington's Birthday".

The third Monday of February, which falls on February 20, 2023, is recognized as Presidents’ Day, although it is officially designated as Washington's Birthday by the government.

What’s closed and open on Washington’s Birthday?

Open: Retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, parks and golf courses. Garbage collection operates as usual. Ferries run on their regular schedule and offer extra service on holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Closed: On holidays, governmental establishments, non-retail companies, libraries, community centers, and schools are shut down. There is no mail service, and street parking is free. Public transportation is usually operating on a reduced schedule, similar to that of a holiday or Sunday. Further details can be found below.

Public Transportation: Public transportation in the Puget Sound region mostly runs on a Sunday or holiday schedule, with the exception of ferries that operate on a regular schedule.

FAQs:

1. When is Presidents’ Day 2023?
   Presidents’ Day in 2023 will be observed on February 20, which is the third Monday of the month.
2. What other holidays are observed in February?
   Some other holidays observed in February include Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and National Heart Month.