The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in commemoration of Presidents’ Day.
The announcement was made by the diplomatic mission in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the closure is in line with the annual celebration of Presidents’ Day in the United States, which is held on the third Monday of February to honour past and present leaders of the nation.
The statement added that normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five things you should know about Presidents’ Day in the US.
1. Official Name
While commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day, the holiday is officially known as Washington’s Birthday. This name reflects its origins, as it was established to honor the first president of the United States, George Washington, whose birthday is on February 22.
2. Historical Background
The holiday was first celebrated in the 1880s, primarily to honor Washington. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which aimed to provide more long weekends for workers by moving several holidays to Mondays. This change led to the holiday being celebrated on the third Monday in February.
3. Celebration of All Presidents
Although it was originally intended to honor Washington, Presidents’ Day has evolved into a day that celebrates all U.S. presidents. This broader recognition is partly due to the proximity of Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and the desire to honor his contributions as well.
4. Retail Promotions
The name “Presidents’ Day” has become widely used, especially by retailers who leverage the holiday for sales promotions. This commercial aspect has contributed to the holiday’s popularity and recognition across the country.
5. Public Observances
Presidents’ Day is marked by various public ceremonies and events, particularly in Washington, D.C. These observances often include commemorative activities that reflect on the contributions of past presidents to the nation.
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