Celebrate President’s Day – Feb 17th

Since 1971, the third Monday of February has been designated as the official federal holiday whereby we commemorate and honor all past Presidents of the USA.  What a great day to sew on Quilts of Valor projects to honor today’s patriots!

Presidents with actual February birthdays:

George Washington was born on Feb 22^nd in 1732.  He was the first president of the US  and he served from 1789 to 1797 (two terms).  Did you know that he was the only President to have been elected unanimously?  Or that he was the only President that did not live in the White House?  I was completed one year after his death during the term of John Adams.  There were 13 stars on the flag when Washington took office, but 5 stars were added during his terms (North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky and Tennessee).

Quote:

I shall make it the most agreeable part of my duty to study merit, and reward the brave and deserving.  GEORGE WASHINGTON, Address to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, Jan. 8, 1756

Abraham Lincoln was the 16^th President, serving from 1861 to 1865.  He was assassinated during his second term of office, just 5 days after Robert E. Lee surrendered the South to the Union ending the War Between the States.  He was born on February 12^th in 1809.   Well known for his stovepipe hat, did you know that he hid his mail, bankbook and important papers in that hat?!   Lincoln’s profile can be found on the penny and on the $5 bill.   

Quote:

Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it.   ABRAHAM LINCOLN, speech, Feb. 27, 1860