Who Should We Honor This Presidents’ Day?

Presidents’ Day first began as a day of recognition of America’s first president, George Washington. Then, it included Abraham Lincoln.

Some folks still cling to those two, but others use the day to celebrate all of America’s presidents–well, at least the ones who represented their political views.

Quora says we’ve had sixteen presidents listed as Democrats and eighteen listed as Republicans. Beyond that, labeling gets complicated.

However, our conversation today is not about commemorating political parties.

Aren’t you glad?

Honorable Americans

In addition to Washington and Lincoln, do you know who I would like to recognize this Presidents’ Day?

The American people.

I applaud those who take the time to research presidential candidates thoroughly before voting and those who vote according to their conscience, rather than for the approval of their peers.

America’s citizens who refrain from disrespectful behavior, whether their candidates win or not, are the ones who deserve the accolades.

People who speak freely, yet politely, especially to those with differing opinions, deserve admiration.

I’d toast the citizens who show respect to our military and service personnel. I’d salute the people who show gratitude to those who guard our freedom and protect our way of life.

Praise would pour out for every adult and child who stands up to bullies and who encourages people to treat others the way they want to be treated.

I’d honor those who promote democracy and practice peace.

No One is Perfect

We will never have a perfect president no matter what political party he/she represents. For that matter, we’ll never have a nation of perfect, American citizens, either.

Like every country in the world, we have flaws.

But unlike every country, America has freedom. Let’s celebrate that this Presidents’ Day.

I think every past president would appreciate it if we honored them by looking at our neighbors, our co-workers, and the strangers on the street as if they are our beloved family members.

We all have relatives who do not share the same opinions, the same political or religious beliefs as our own. We may not agree with them, but we still love them because they are family. You do love all of your relatives, right? 🙂

For the sake of freedom, for the sake of peace, for the sake of love, let’s practice kindness. Because as citizens of America and as humans of the world, we are family.

Kindness is our power, even when fondness is not.

Samuel Johnson

Who do you honor on Presidents’ Day?