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January 20 Should Be Presidents’ Day
And when there’s an inauguration, make it a holiday
I’ve gone on record that I hate Presidents’ Day. But that’s not the full story. I recognize there is some value to having a “Presidents’ Day.” What I resent is that it has eclipsed who the February holiday is supposed to honor.
Rather than dispense with Presidents’ Day, I propose that we move it. That’s right. Move it!
Move Presidents’ Day to January 20, which as most Americans know is Inauguration Day (at least when it follows a presidential election).
Every January 20 can be called “Presidents’ Day,” and on those years when there’s an actual presidential inauguration, we can make it a holiday.
This way, there’s one day each year where we can reflect on the American presidency, talk about those men (and, in the future, women) who have served in that role, and ponder the lessons that we as Americans should take with us.
If we were to do that, I’d be all for “Presidents’ Day.”
Besides, I recognize that the term “Presidents’ Day” rolls off the tongue fairly easily and commonly. To get rid of it would be impossible.
So…let’s move it.
To January 20.
