Honoring President's Day

Published Feb. 17, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- For good reason, government employees and related beneficiaries (e.g. K-12 students) experience a twenty-four hour reprieve from their associated labour every third Monday in February--the birth month of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

While the day holds virtue as a legal holiday, Feb. 15th possesses value in its grasp of yester-year virtues. Boldness, courage, and might were characteristics of both presidents that many accept as honorable. A day to recognize the entrance into the world of two American legends is romantic.

People may unwittingly imagine the day as a time to reflect on the years of White House leadership, to commemorate the accomplishments from both sides of the aisle, and to perhaps, single-out one's favorite commander-in-chief.

It inspires some to Google the day or ask their parent or educator to explain its specialty. Suffice it to say, there was intention for the invention of this day and many strive annually to recognize it.

Regardless of what action it conjured, the day is noticed (i.e. as opposed to an after-thought in political decorum; it was purposed to be hallowed).

So, how does one honor a leader for being born? By being alive in their footsteps.

This week and all weeks, let the hope of President's Day resonate within.