Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on February 22nd until well into the 20th Century. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to “provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays.” By creating more 3-day weekends, Congress hoped to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.”
One of the provisions of this act changed the observance of Washington’s Birthday from February 22nd to the third Monday in February. Ironically, this guaranteed that the holiday would never be celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, as the third Monday in February cannot fall any later than February 21.
Contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor the President has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday observed as Washington’s Birthday be changed to “President’s Day.”
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia are closed today in recognition of George Washington's birthday.
— U.S. Embassy Australia (@USEmbAustralia) February 15, 2026
Today, we commemorate a Founding Father and the first President of our country and reflect upon his legacy, which is especially important this year as we mark the 250th… pic.twitter.com/OkGBgaFah2
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