Worthy of honor

February 16, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“Render … honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7, Amplified).

Since 1971, Presidents Day has been celebrated on the third Monday in February. Contrary to popular belief, the day does not officially honor President Abraham Lincoln.

Before 1971, George Washington’s birthday (February 22) was a federal holiday. Abe Lincoln’s date of birth (February 12) became a legal holiday according to the desire of each state.

The Monday Holidays Act went into effect in 1971. That year some holidays, including the third Monday in February, were reassigned dates to create a few three-day weekends. Presidents Day is believed to belong to both former presidents, Washington and Lincoln, partly because it always falls between their two birthdates.

Although, according to the government, Lincoln is not the focus of February’s third Monday, our 16th president has not failed to be honored. We have found various ways to esteem the national leader who brought our nation through its toughest internal struggle, the Civil War.

Consider the first half of the 20th century alone.

• In 1909, we honored the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth with the Lincoln head penny.

• His face first appeared on a $5 bill in 1914.

• In 1916, toy Lincoln Logs were named in his honor.

• The stately Lincoln Memorial opened to the public in 1922.

• The Lincoln Tunnel saw its first traffic in 1937.

• In 1941, President Lincoln became one of the four presidents featured on Mount Rushmore.

That’s just a sampling. Add to those tributes the many cities, schools and public libraries that bear his name. Nor did Presidents Washington, Jefferson or Adams ever have a car named after them.

Abe Lincoln may not be the official reason for Presidents Day, but thousands of school children and adults recall his greatness today. We dwell on the depth of character he demonstrated that should spur us to be our best at all times.

Presidents Day can challenge us to think not only of our greatest leaders of the past, but of people still living who deserve our appreciation. Those whose positive influence has touched and changed our lives in profound ways.

Who are one or two people whom you’ve never told how much their influence has helped you? Is it a parent? A grandparent? A schoolteacher? A Sunday School teacher? A pastor? A friend?

They deserve it. Can you thank them in person? Does distance call for a letter expressing your appreciation, or a heart-felt phone call?

Don’t wait for a new special day on the calendar. Today is the perfect day to give them the honor they deserve.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.