When Is Abraham Lincoln's Birthday?

When Is Abraham Lincoln's Birthday?

As an American history enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. One question that often comes up when discussing the 16th President of the United States is, “When is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday?”

Exploring the Answer

Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is on February 12th. This date is a national holiday in the United States, known as Presidents’ Day. Originally, Presidents’ Day only celebrated George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, but in 1971 it was expanded to include all U.S. presidents, including Lincoln.

Why Celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday?

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He served during one of the most tumultuous periods in our nation’s history, leading the country through the Civil War and ending slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln’s leadership and vision continue to inspire us today, making his birthday an important occasion to celebrate.

Step by Step Guide

If you’re looking to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, here’s a step by step guide:

1. Mark February 12th on your calendar.
2. Research local events and activities that commemorate Lincoln’s birthday.
3. Read a biography or watch a documentary about Lincoln’s life and presidency.
4. Visit a historic site related to Lincoln, such as the Lincoln Memorial or his birthplace in Kentucky.
5. Reflect on Lincoln’s legacy and how it continues to impact our country today.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are ten ideas for celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday:

1. Host a Lincoln-themed party with decorations, food, and games related to his life and presidency.
2. Read Lincoln’s speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address or his Second Inaugural Address, and discuss their significance with friends and family.
3. Visit a museum or exhibit dedicated to Lincoln.
4. Watch a movie or play about Lincoln, such as the recent biopic “Lincoln” starring Daniel Day-Lewis.
5. Donate to a charity or organization that reflects Lincoln’s values, such as the American Civil Liberties Union or the NAACP.
6. Attend a lecture or panel discussion about Lincoln’s life and legacy.
7. Write a letter or essay about how Lincoln’s leadership has influenced your life or perspective.
8. Create a piece of artwork or music inspired by Lincoln or his era.
9. Volunteer at a local organization that serves marginalized communities, in honor of Lincoln’s commitment to social justice.
10. Visit a Lincoln-related site in your own community, such as a statue or historical marker.

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. On the one hand, it provides an opportunity to honor one of our greatest leaders and reflect on his contributions to American history. On the other hand, it can also perpetuate a narrow, idealized view of Lincoln that ignores his flaws and shortcomings, such as his inconsistent views on race and his suspension of civil liberties during the Civil War.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I believe that celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is a worthwhile endeavor, as long as it is done in a thoughtful and nuanced way. Rather than idolizing Lincoln, we should strive to understand his complexities and contradictions, and use his example to inspire us to work towards a more just and equitable society today.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday a federal holiday?

A: While February 12th is a national holiday in the United States, it is not a federal holiday. This means that not all employers are required to give their employees the day off, although many do.

Q: How did Presidents’ Day come about?

A: Presidents’ Day was first established in 1885 to honor George Washington’s birthday. In 1971, it was expanded to include all U.S. presidents, and the date was changed to the third Monday in February to create a three-day weekend.

Q: How can I learn more about Abraham Lincoln?

A: There are many resources available for learning about Lincoln’s life and legacy, including biographies, documentaries, museums, and historic sites. Some recommended books include “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin and “Lincoln” by David Herbert Donald.