The holiday on the third Monday of February each year is most often called “Presidents’ Day” to recognize all American Presidents, the first of whom, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732. Most calendars have the “Presidents’ Day” designation because each state has the freedom to determine its legal holidays. Retail sales advertisements in February almost always use the name Presidents’ Day, perhaps in part because another revered President, Abraham Lincoln, was also born during this month (February 12, 1809).
 
Despite the many references to Presidents’ Day, the observed federal holiday is still, officially, Washington’s Birthday. Neither Congress nor the President has ever proposed that the name of the holiday observed as Washington’s Birthday be changed, by law or Executive Order, to Presidents’ Day.
 
February 19 is also the birthday of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. On June 23, 1939, Congress gave the Coast Guard Reserve a legislative mandate to use civilians in their forces. The mandate was issued to promote safety on the high seas and the nation’s navigable waters.
 
The need for this mandate proved to be prophetic and became more apparent with the outbreak of World War II. Before that, the Reserve was non-military, formed by unpaid, volunteer citizens who owned yachts or boats. On February 19, 1941, Congress amended the 1939 Act by passing the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941. This legislation designated the Reserve as a military branch with civilians forming the Auxiliary and a founding date of February 19.
 
For a complete history of the Coast Guard Reserve’s birthday and an accompanying timeline of important related events, click here.