Presidents Day

It’s Presidents Day here in America, a holiday that was established originally in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). According to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, his birth date is actually tomorrow (February 22nd) but many people claim that an older style calendar sets it at February 11th.

However, America has never been a country to let facts stand in the way of creating another Monday holiday, so federal employees are enjoying a three-day weekend and schools are closed (joy!), presumably to let kids appreciate their revered ancestors in the traditional manner… scooter-riding, TV-watching, drum-bashing, au-pair annoying, ice-cream-eating, TV-watching etc.

You’ve probably come across this before but since I’ve never been one to let regurgitating a bit of Presidential trivia stand in the way of filling some blog space, here it is again.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost children while living in the White House.

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners.
Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are comprised of fifteen letters.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named "Ford's".
Kennedy was shot in a car called "Lincoln" - made by Ford Motor Co.

Booth ran from the theatre and was caught in a warehouse.
Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theatre.

Both were assassinated before their trials.