The act did not stipulate that employees were to be paid for the holiday - in fact, some government employees in the District of Columbia were paid while others were not. Washington's Birthday, however, did not become a legal holiday until Januwhen Congress added February 22nd to the list of holidays to be observed by federal employees in the District of Columbia. Eventually, the reading of George Washington's Farewell Address became an annual event for the Senate, a tradition that is still observed to this day. In a special joint session held in the House Chamber, the House and Senate, along with several cabinet officials, Justices of the Supreme Court and high-ranking officers of the Army and Navy, gathered to listen to the Secretary of State read the address aloud.
Prompted by a memorial from the mayor and other citizens of Philadelphia, the House and Senate commemorated the 130th Anniversary of Washington's birth by reading aloud his Farewell Address. The centennial of his birth prompted festivities nationally and Congress established a Joint Committee to arrange for the occasion.Īt the recommendation of the Committee, chaired by Henry Clay of the Senate and Philemon Thomas of the House, Congress adjourned on Februout of respect for Washington's memory and in commemoration of his birth. In 1752, however, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar which moved Washington's birthday a year and 11 days to February 22, 1732.Īmericans celebrated Washington's Birthday long before Congress declared it a federal holiday. George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the then-used Julian calendar. It is one of eleven permanent holidays established by Congress.įederal holidays apply only to the federal government and the District of Columbia Congress has never declared a national holiday binding in all states and each state decides its own legal holidays.
George Washington's Birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. George Washington, copy of painting by Gilbert Stuart, 1931 - 1932, RG 148, Records of Commissions of the Legislative Branch, George Washington Bicentennial Commission.
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