For more than 30 years, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has been lighting up the night sky in honor of America’s heroes—those who have fought to secure and preserve our freedom. But long before fireworks and three-day weekends, there was one man who set the foundation for everything we celebrate today: George Washington, the father of our nation.
This Presidents Day, we remember the general who defied the odds, leading a ragtag army to victory against what was at the time the world’s most formidable military. The leader who shaped a nation from scratch. The man who could have been king—but chose instead to walk away from power—twice. Though his birthday is no longer celebrated on the right date, his legacy remains larger than any single day on the calendar.
After all, every time we celebrate the freedoms we cherish, we honor his vision, his courage, and his leadership.
The History of Presidents Day
For much of American history, February 22—Washington’s actual birthday—was celebrated unofficially across the states. But as time passed, it became clear that honoring the Father of Our Nation needed to be more than just a quaint tradition—it needed to be a national holiday.
In 1879, Congress made Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday. Then, in 1968, something changed. To create more three-day weekends for federal employees, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving the observance of Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday in February. This meant that Washington’s birthday would never again be celebrated on February 22.
So where did the name “Presidents Day” come from? Since the holiday now fell between Washington’s birthday (February 22) and Lincoln’s birthday (February 12), many Americans—including retailers eager for another big sales event—started calling it Presidents Day instead. The name caught on in the 1980s thanks to commercial advertising, and today it’s the most commonly used term.
But here’s a fun fact: At the federal level, the holiday is still officially known as “Washington’s Birthday.” While individual states may call it Presidents’ Day, Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday, or George Washington Day, the federal name has never changed.
Washington’s Legacy and a Changing Tradition
History is full of ironies, and Presidents Day is one of them.
Instead of marking his actual birthday, the day now honors all US presidents—which, while noble, has had the unintended effect of diluting Washington’s individual legacy.
Of course, Abraham Lincoln deserves recognition too—he held the Union together in its darkest hour. But by shifting Washington’s Birthday into a catch-all celebration, neither leader gets the full measure of tribute he deserves.
George Washington wasn’t just another president—he was the first. And according to most historians and most Americans, he was the GOAT—the greatest of all time.
He set the gold standard for leadership, laying the foundation for a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. He could have made himself king. He could have ruled for life. Instead, he boldly stepped away from that temptation, ensuring that America would never be ruled by a monarch, but by its people.
Melaleuca Honors Our Founding Fathers
At Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, we know that America’s greatness comes from the vision and courage of our Founding Fathers, and the God who inspired them. That’s why we don’t just celebrate them on the Fourth of July—we uphold their legacy all year long.
“We honor our founders, mistakes and all, whose courage and devotion sparked a mighty revolution,” says Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot. “Those brave men and women fought for independence, for justice and for a world free from tyranny. They fought with words and ideas, with pen and parchment, with powder and musket. They fought for their homes, for their children, and for future generations.”
Melaleuca is proud to be an American company. We’re proud to manufacture our products in the United States and support American workers. And we’re honored to sponsor the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, where we pay tribute to the patriots who have defended our liberty, past and present. Since its beginning more than 30 years ago, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has served to honor our Founding Fathers, our veterans, our service members, and their families who make unseen sacrifices.
But the thunderous display isn’t just a tribute to our noble American heroes—it’s a storytelling experience. Accompanied by a powerful narration and a moving soundtrack, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration walks the more than 200,000 spectators through pivotal moments in American history—from the birth of the nation to the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms—reminding each of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
So, this Presidents Day, take a moment to reflect. Read about George Washington and his legacy. Teach your children about Abraham Lincoln and his preservation of the Union. Honor the leaders who shaped this great nation and made freedom for us possible.
Without them, there would be no United States of America.
FAQs
When Is Presidents Day 2025?
In 2025, Presidents Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, will be observed on February 17.
Why Do We Call It “Presidents Day”?
The term “Presidents Day” is a cultural nickname that became widely used in the 1980s, thanks to commercial advertising. However, at the federal level, the holiday is still officially called Washington’s Birthday.
Is Presidents Day on George Washington’s birthday?
No. While it was originally celebrated on February 22, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved it to the third Monday in February, meaning it will never again be observed on Washington’s actual birthday.
