Learn about Washington's birthday in the US
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| Hi everyone, I'm Alisha. |
| On the third Monday of February every year, the United States pays tribute to its first president, George Washington. Washington's Birthday is a federal holiday and federal government workers get the day off. It's not as widely celebrated as some other national holidays, however. Sometimes, the holiday is referred to as Presidents' Day. |
| There's a rather odd tradition associated with Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day. Try to guess what it is! |
| We’ll show you the answer at the end of this video. |
| Washington's Birthday is not among the US holidays that are associated with large-scale celebrations. There are celebrations in some cities but, compared to other major holidays in the United States, this one is rather reserved in nature. |
| Washington's Birthday is often part of the combined Presidents' Day celebration. Most of the time, Presidents' Day emphasizes the two people who are generally considered to be the greatest presidents of the United States: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. |
| Washington's Birthday is culturally significant to the United States because of General Washington's revered place in history. He was the first American president and, beyond that, he was handed a unanimous Electoral College victory to win that office. He is also the most celebrated general in the Revolutionary Army that defeated the British. |
| The biggest celebrations of his holiday are held at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Virginia and at Mount Vernon. |
| George Washington designed the first medal intended for the average soldier. The Purple Heart, one of the most respected US service medals in existence, is given to soldiers who were injured in battle, and it was designed by Washington himself. |
| And now here's the answer to the quiz. |
| Believe it or not, sales are a tremendous part of the traditional Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day celebrations. Furniture stores and car dealerships are particularly notable for holding sales on this day. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Do you celebrate the birthdays of important leaders in your country? |
| Please leave a comment at EnglishClass101.com |
| Until next time! |
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