A child at the base of the Washington Monument.
This coming Monday is known as Presidents’ Day, a national holiday that is officially known as Washington’s Birthday. The day commemorates the life of George Washington, an American soldier and statesman who was a Founding Father of the United States as well as the country’s first president.
Washington’s actual birthday, February 22, was first declared a federal holiday in 1879 by an act of Congress. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Act shifted the observance date from February 22 to the third Monday in February, which also means that the holiday never falls on Washington’s actual birthday.
While the name of the actual holiday is subject to dispute – as noted in a feature story published last year on that topic by Anna Breuer – it’s celebrated today with sales at department stores and large retailers and is a day off from school for most children.
Here’s what you need to know about what’s open for business and operating in the United States – and what isn’t – on Monday.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES All Federal government offices are closed on Monday, as will be almost all city and state offices.
POST OFFICE No regular mail delivery except for Priority Mail Express, formerly known as Express Mail. Regular service resumes on Tuesday.
BANKS Financial institutions have the option to close. Almost all will.
SCHOOLS Closed on Monday for in-person and remote instruction. Some colleges and universities may also be closed. Some schools and colleges are closed for the entire week for winter recess.
FINANCIAL MARKETS The nation’s stock and bond markets will be closed on Monday.
TRANSPORTATION Most local transportation systems, such as buses, subways, and commuter rail systems, will operate on Sunday or holiday schedules Monday with normal service resuming Tuesday. Airports and train stations will be open.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
