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Photo by M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Alexandrians and thousands of visitors will celebrate George Washington’s 288th birthday throughout February with a variety of festive and historic-themed events. This includes the popular George Washington Birthday Parade, a Cherry Challenge between Alexandria’s restaurants, free admission to select historic sites and more.
The George Washington Birthday Parade – This annual celebration is the oldest and largest parade celebrating George Washington. This year, it is set for Feb. 17 from 1 – 3 p.m. in Old Town. The parade theme is “Selfless Service to Country.” The parade starts at the corner of Gibbon and Fairfax Streets, heads north on Fairfax Street, turns west on Queen Street, then heads back south on Royal Street.
Parking will be limited in the area around the parade, but a free DASH shuttle will operate west of the parade route (more information will be available in the days leading up to the parade).
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George Washington Birthday Parade
For more information about the parade and other February events (several are listed below), go to WashingtonBirthday.com. The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee also maintains a 24-hour phone line that will report any change of status or the cancellation of any event. Call the events hotline at 703-829-6640.
Here are more events in February celebrating our first president:
Cherry Challenge– In honor of George Washington’s birthday, more than 50 Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes in celebration of one of the most cherished legends surrounding our first president. The Cherry Challenge is Jan. 26 – Feb. 9. Patrons rate their favorite dishes, and winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Parade. For more information, visitWashingtonBirthday.comor call 703-829-6640.
Chocolate with General Washington – On Feb. 8 from 2 - 3 p.m, children and accompanying adults are invited to spend an hour with General Washington talking about the events of the revolution, asking questions of our first citizen and enjoying hot chocolate and delicious comestibles. To learn more, visitWashingtonBirthday.comor call 703-829-6640.
George Washington’s Alexandria Tours – Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it. These free 90-minute guided walking tours will explore sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues. The tours begin behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s south entrance in front of Vola’s Dockside Grill (101 N. Union Street). Tours are from 2 – 3:30 p.m. every Sunday in February. No advance reservations required. Contact 703-599-4010 for more information.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
"George Washington" toasts "Lady Washington" while relaxing on the piazza.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon Estate – Celebrate the first president of the United States on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.! Witness a presidential tribute featuring honored guests and a wreath laying at Washington’s tomb. Listen to remarks given by esteemed speakers during the Official Observance Ceremony of George Washington’s Birthday. Watch Continental soldiers conduct a marching drill, fire their guns and charge at their enemy in an exciting military demonstration. After the smoke clears, listen to the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play patriotic music. Listen to the Washington family share stories about past celebrations of the General’s birthday, including the first public celebration and the gathering during the winter encampment at Valley Forge. All day, pose like George Washington in front of the life-sized version of Gilbert Stuart’s Landsdowne painting in the Education Center Lobby. For more information, visitwww.MountVernon.org/Birthdayor call 703-780-2000.
Historic Alexandria Open Houses — In honor of George Washington’s birthday, admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites on Feb. 17: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, Christ Church, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.
Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association– Meet special guests and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association at this annual tradition on Feb. 17 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Be there for the first appearance of the day of General and Lady Washington and a talk by a renowned special guest. Tickets are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, visitwww.FriendshipFireCo.orgor call 703-829-6640.
Hunt for Washington — Enjoy a fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington on Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The hunt, which should take about an hour to 90 minutes to complete, will take you to a few of the places in Alexandria associated with the General. You will learn some fun facts about the father of our country and visit several historic sites around Old Town as you search for the answers to the clues. Start by picking up a clue sheet at the Parade Reviewing Stand after 10 a.m. and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. There are prizes and mementos associated with this new event. For more information, visitwww.WashingtonBirthday.comor call 703-829-6640.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution– Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (321 S. Fairfax St.) on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m.
Concert at Market Square— Come enjoy a one-hour concert by the parade marching band units and other musical units in honor of the General and Lady Washington at Market Square at 11 a.m. Feb. 17.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony– Salute our nation’s veterans and active military, and sign the community covenant document showing your support for our armed forces and their families at this special ceremony at the Parade Reviewing Stand adjacent to Market Square on Feb. 17 at noon.
Additional EventsLecture: George Washington: Commander-in-Chief – During this lecture on Feb. 20 from 7:30 – 8:30 pm., Professor Peter Henriques will examine how George Washington, despite his limited experience and numerous mistakes, was somehow able to overcome obstacles to win independence for the new country he committed himself to without reserve. Henriques will touch on Washington's view of a professional army, the need to win over the general populace and the necessity of civilian control of the military, as well as how Washington saved the American cause with his actions at Trenton and Princeton. Tickets are $12 per person ($10 Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society members and volunteers). For more information, visitAlexandriaVA.gov/Shopor call 703- 746-4242.
George Washington’s 288thBirthday – Celebrate the first president of the United States on the most exciting day of the year, Feb. 22. Take a selfie while posing like George Washington in the Education Center Lobby. General Washington greets his guests in the historic area, and the Sons of Liberty provide birthday music. Savor a piece of birthday cake in the Vaughan Lobby (while supplies last) and hear the Air Force Strings perform in the Smith Auditorium. For more information, visitwww.MountVernon.org/Birthday288or call 703-780-2000.
George Washington Symposium – The theme of the 2020 George Washington Symposium is “George Washington’s Construction of the United States Capitol.” The symposium will take place Feb. 22, as part of the memorial's celebration of Washington's birthday. The lectures begin at 1 p.m. in the memorial's theater. The George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington's birthday to provide the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Admission is free, and free parking is available. Details, including information about the speakers, are available atwww.GWMemorial.org.
Annual Washington’s Birthday Gala – Celebrate George Washington on Feb. 22 with a formal (white-tie optional) gala. Reception at 5 p.m. Entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. Banquet in the memorial's Grand Masonic Hall at 7:30 p.m. The presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award will take place during the banquet. Tickets are $200. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, visitwww.GWMemorial.orgor call 703-683-2007.
by Alexandria Living Magazine Staff
FAQs
How is George Washington's birthday celebrated? ›
During his lifetime, Washington paid little attention to his own birthday, and often “celebrated” it by responding to letters or attending to matters at Mount Vernon. However, national celebration of his birthday began while he was alive and continued after his death.
Why does Laredo celebrate George Washington's birthday? ›One of the most asked questions is, “Why celebrate Washington's Birthday on the border?” The answer must be attributed to the original planners of the celebration, the patriotic Improved Order of the Red Men, local chapter Yaqui Tribe #59, whose members included prominent Laredoans of both Mexican and American ancestry ...
When did George Washington celebrate his birthday? ›What day is George Washington's Birthday? If you could go back in time and ask a young George Washington on what day he was born, he would reply February 11, 1731. Almost 300 years later, we celebrate his birthday as February 22, 1732.
How do we celebrate Presidents Day? ›Presidents' Day is usually marked by public ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country.
What is celebrated February 22? ›World Thinking Day is celebrated each year by the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the world on the 22nd February.
Why did Washington's birthday change? ›George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the then-used Julian calendar. 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.
Is Washington's birthday a national holiday? ›George Washington's Birthday was the first Federal holiday to honor an individual's birth date. In 1885, Congress designated February 22 as a holiday for all Federal workers. Nearly a century later, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the third Monday in February.
Why is it not called Presidents Day anymore? ›The popular usage and confusion resulted from the merging of what had been two widely celebrated Presidential birthdays in February —Lincoln's on February 12th, which was never a federal holiday– and Washington's on February 22, which was.
What did Presidents Day used to be called? ›An early draft of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act would have renamed the holiday "Presidents' Day" to honor the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln, which would explain why the chosen date falls between the two, but this proposal failed in committee, and the bill was voted on and signed into law on June 28, 1968, ...
Which special day is today? ›National Hunting and Fishing Day.
What were George Washington's last words? ›
Washington's last words, said Lear, were spoken around 10 p.m. on December 14: “I am just going! Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault less than three days after I am dead.” Then, “Do you understand me? . . . Tis well!”
What was George Washington favorite food? ›Family members and visitors alike testified that hoecakes were among George Washington's favorite foods. He invariably ate them at breakfast, covered with butter and honey, along with hot tea—a “temperate repast” enjoyed each morning.
What is George Washington's favorite color? ›Green was George Washington's favorite color. Speaking of the General, the military has long used olive green as their standard working color, as that shade fades away the quickest in the dark.
What happened February 22nd 2014? ›2014 – President Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine is impeached by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by a vote of 328–0, fulfilling a major goal of the Euromaidan rebellion. 2015 – A ferry carrying 100 passengers capsizes in the Padma River, killing 70 people.
What is the meaning of February 22 2022? ›The date is February 22, 2022. When you write it, 2/22/22, it's a palindrome, meaning it reads the same forward and backward. It also falls on a Tuesday, which is now referred to as Twosday. It's the most exceptional date in over a decade, according to palindrome enthusiast Aziz Inan.
What happened on the 22 of February 2022? ›Well, on Feb. 22, 2022, our great nation is making its first “Pluto Return,” meaning Pluto will be in the same place it was on July 4, 1776.
Which states do not recognize Presidents Day? ›Thirteen states—Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Wisconsin—don't celebrate Presidents Day or Washington's Birthday.
Is Presidents Day a legal holiday? ›Monday is Presidents Day, a holiday that began as a celebration of President George Washington's birthday, but has since been expanded to include a celebration of all the U.S. presidents. The day is a federal holiday, meaning things like federal government offices and most state ones will be closed.
What is the most important holiday of the year? ›1. Christmas. Christmas may be represented by presents and Santa Claus nowadays, but this popular holiday had another origin story.
What is closed on Washington's birthday? ›21), and the federal holiday — which is technically called Washington's Birthday — will bring some noteworthy closings and schedule changes. Banks, post offices, state offices: Post offices will be closed. Most banks will be closed.
What holiday is on April 18th 2022? ›
2022 Daily Holidays that fall on April 18, include:
Dyngus Day - April 18, 2022 (The Monday After Easter) Easter Monday - April 18, 2022.
...
2022 / 2023 Federal Holiday Schedule.
| Holiday Name | Day of Week | 2022 Observed Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day † | Friday | December 31st, 2021 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Monday | January 17th, 2022 |
| Washington's Birthday | Monday | February 21st, 2022 |
| Memorial Day | Monday | May 30th, 2022 |
Daily wreath laying ceremonies are offered today at Mount Vernon. Visitors pay their respects to George and Martha Washington by participating in a moving ceremony at the Washingtons' Tomb.
Why do we celebrate Presidents Day in February? ›Washington's Birthday
The story of Presidents' Day date begins in 1800. Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance.
Increasingly, the holiday has become an occasion to celebrate the birthdays of both President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln. Many Americans call the holiday Presidents' Day. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, on his father's tobacco plantation in Colonial Virginia.
When did we stop celebrating Lincoln's birthday? ›There were efforts right after Lincoln's death to get this birthday recognized as a holiday, but there has never been a federal Lincoln-birthday holiday. By 1890, Lincoln's birthday was observed as a paid holiday in 10 states.
Why should we thank George Washington? ›George Washington led the army that secured the independence of the United States, an act of perseverance, courage, and vision that helped create a republic centered around the ideal of representative government. The doctrine of liberty endorsed by the American Revolution would transform the old world.
Why George Washington was a hero? ›A hero of the American Revolution, Washington is acclaimed for his daring surprise attack on British-aligned Hessian mercenaries on Christmas evening 1776. Led by Washington himself, the Continental Army triumphed by crossing the icy Delaware River and attacking the enemy camp in Trenton, New Jersey.
What were George Washington's famous quotes? ›- “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” ...
- “It is better to be alone than in bad company.” ...
- “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” ...
- “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw.
Thirteen states—Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Wisconsin—don't celebrate Presidents Day or Washington's Birthday.
Is February 22 a special day? ›
2022 Daily Holidays that fall on February 22, include:
Founders Day - (World Organization of the Scout Movement) National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. National Margarita Day. National Wildlife Day - (In 2018 this date was permanently changed from September 4 in honor of Steve Irving's Birthday)
The popular usage and confusion resulted from the merging of what had been two widely celebrated Presidential birthdays in February —Lincoln's on February 12th, which was never a federal holiday– and Washington's on February 22, which was.
What is the most important holiday of the year? ›1. Christmas. Christmas may be represented by presents and Santa Claus nowadays, but this popular holiday had another origin story.
Is Washington's Birthday a national holiday? ›George Washington's Birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. It is one of eleven permanent holidays established by Congress.
What holiday is on April 18th 2022? ›2022 Daily Holidays that fall on April 18, include:
Dyngus Day - April 18, 2022 (The Monday After Easter) Easter Monday - April 18, 2022.
Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates the day as a state holiday. Each year the U.S. president delivers an address that proclaims the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, and all Americans are encouraged to fly U.S. flags during that week.
Is Presidents Day the same as Washington's Birthday? ›Today the nation typically combines Washington's Birthday with Presidents' Day, celebrating both days on the third Monday in February. However, Presidents' Day is not the official name of the holiday.
Is Presidents Day a legal holiday? ›Monday is Presidents Day, a holiday that began as a celebration of President George Washington's birthday, but has since been expanded to include a celebration of all the U.S. presidents. The day is a federal holiday, meaning things like federal government offices and most state ones will be closed.