National President Day

A diverse group of American presidents gathered in a picturesque setting, each showcasing their unique fashion and style.. — National president day illustration

Ah, National President Day, a day to honor those wise leaders who have guided our nation through thick and thin. Whether you're a history buff or just someone who appreciates a good pun, this is the perfect day to celebrate our presidential pals!

When is President Day?

It's national president day on the 21st January.

A Brief History of National President Day

So, how did National President Day come to be? Well, it all started when a group of enthusiastic citizens wanted to create a day to show their appreciation for the leaders of our country. They wanted to remind everyone that being the president is no easy task, and it's important to honor those who have taken on this monumental responsibility.

While there isn't an official date for National President Day, we can look back at the internet history and see that it gained a significant amount of attention on January 21, 2016, with 46 mentions online. That seems like a big day for presidential love!

Why Do We Celebrate National President Day?

We celebrate National President Day to honor the leaders who have shaped our nation's history and guided us through challenging times. From Washington to Lincoln, Roosevelt to Obama, each president has left their mark on the United States, for better or for worse. This day is a chance to reflect on their contributions and show our gratitude.

How to Celebrate National President Day

Want to celebrate National President Day but not sure how? Here are a few ideas:

Gather your loved ones and have a presidential-themed dinner party. Serve up some Abraham Linguini or Thomas Jefferson's Mac and Cheese. It'll be a night of presidential power and deliciousness!
Host a presidential trivia night with your friends. Test your knowledge on all things presidential and see who can name the most presidents in 60 seconds. The winner gets a Lincoln-themed prize!
Take a moment to read up on your favorite president. Dive into a biography or watch a documentary. You might just learn something new!

Remember, National President Day is all about honoring our leaders and having a little fun along the way. So put on your presidential hat and get ready to celebrate!

History behind the term 'President'

1789

The Birth of the American Presidency

The term 'president' originated with the establishment of the United States of America in 1789. The founding fathers wanted a title that would represent the leader of the new nation and reflect the principles of a democratic republic. They drew inspiration from Latin and Greek words, particularly 'prae-', meaning 'before' or 'prior to,' and 'sedere,' meaning 'to sit.' This combination formed the term 'president,' which denotes someone who 'sits before' or 'takes precedence over' others.

1789

George Washington: The First President

In 1789, George Washington became the first President of the United States, setting the precedent for the term's association with the highest office in the country. His leadership and commitment to democratic principles solidified the significance of the term 'president' in American history. Washington's two terms as the nation's president further established the position's prominence and influence.

1828

Presidency in the Common Vernacular

During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, who served from 1829 to 1837, the term 'president' became commonly used in everyday language. It evolved from being solely associated with the head of state to a term widely recognized as the leader of any organization. The presidency of Andrew Jackson helped popularize and solidify the term 'president' as a common title for leaders in various fields.

1856

Presidents in Literature

In 1856, author Harriet Beecher Stowe released her novel 'Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp,' in which she referred to the leaders of Haitian rebel forces as 'presidents.' This marked one of the earliest instances of the term being used in a fictional context, broadening its reach beyond real-world politics. Stowe's novel contributed to the term's presence in literature and expanded its cultural significance.

1884

The Rise of Presidents in Sports

In 1884, the term 'president' made its way into the world of sports when General Abner Doubleday, a prominent figure in baseball's early days, was referred to as the 'presiding officer' during a baseball convention. This marked the first known use of the term in relation to sports leadership. Since then, 'president' has become a common title for leaders in various sports organizations, including professional leagues and associations.

Did you know?

Did you know that President Woodrow Wilson had a pet sheep named Old Ike? That's right, this woolly companion grazed on the White House lawn and even had his own graduation ceremony when he retired!