Presidents' Day Statement by Margaret Spellings

Presidents' Day Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings

Today, we honor the 43 citizens who have held the title of President of the United States. We celebrate their commitment and dedication. We cherish their visions for the great promise of this nation. And we remember the trials each of them faced in office.

The timing of this holiday calls on us to celebrate the birthdays of two of our greatest presidents: George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12). George Washington led the 13 colonies through the war for independence before serving as the first president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln held this sacred union together through its most perilous hour before giving his own life for the cause of freedom.

We have a responsibility to celebrate this day by teaching our children about the lives and times of our presidents. This history belongs to them. I hope you and your child will enjoy visiting ed.gov/free and exploring the history of the American presidency.

### FOR RELEASE: February 21, 2005 Contact: (202) 401-1576