Presidents Day: A Civic Reminder for the Highline Community

Presidents Day began as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday and later came to include Abraham Lincoln. Officially, the federal holiday is still called Washington’s Birthday and is observed on the third Monday in February.

Over time, the meaning of the day has shifted. For many families, it marks a long weekend and retail sales. Yet its original purpose was to reflect on leadership, service, and the responsibilities that come with self-government.

Washington set an early example of restraint by stepping down after two terms in office. His decision reinforced a core principle of the republic: power belongs to the people. Lincoln, who led during the Civil War, focused on preserving the Union and upholding constitutional government during one of the most divided periods in American history.

Presidents Day also offers a practical reminder about how government works. The president leads the executive branch and carries out federal law. However, many issues that directly affect daily life in Burien, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Des Moines are decided locally. School boards determine education policy. City councils adopt budgets and public safety priorities. State lawmakers pass legislation that often shapes daily life more immediately than actions taken in Washington, D.C.

That is why local civic awareness matters. Understanding who makes decisions, how policies are adopted, and where authority rests helps residents engage more effectively. Attending a school board meeting, following city council discussions, or learning how state law impacts local communities are practical ways to strengthen civic life.

Presidents Day is not only about remembering national leaders. It is also an invitation to reflect on the kind of informed, engaged citizenship that sustains communities like ours.