Happy President’s Day
In the Black Hills of South Dakota, four presidents grace the face of Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham LincolnOne can be forgiven the impression that the President’s Day holiday is just another superficial inducement for Americans to go shopping (for “blowout” sales on everything from mattresses to Chevy trucks). However, it dates back to 1796, when a grateful new nation honored its first president and revolutionary war hero, George Washington, by making his birthday, February 22, a national holiday.
Of course, it’s a testament to Washington’s extraordinary character and accomplishments that no other president was accorded this honor until it was bestowed on February 12, 1892 upon Abraham Lincoln, the man who “preserved the union through its darkest hour” – the American Civil War. (And, probably because he was assassinated so notoriously at Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1965.)
Since then, notwithstanding Mount Rushmore, no other president has been deemed worthy of this honor. (Indeed, it’s a testament to the extraordinary character and accomplishment of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., that he’s the only other American to have a federal holiday – the third Monday in January - declared in his name.) At any rate, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which combined both holidays into the one that is now celebrated, so perversely….
NOTE: My choice of presidents to grace Mount Rushmore II: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald W. Reagan.
Your choice?
President’s Day
Of course, it’s a testament to Washington’s extraordinary character and accomplishments that no other president was accorded this honor until it was bestowed on February 12, 1892 upon Abraham Lincoln, the man who “preserved the union through its darkest hour” – the American Civil War. (And, probably because he was assassinated so notoriously at Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1965.)
Since then, notwithstanding Mount Rushmore, no other president has been deemed worthy of this honor. (Indeed, it’s a testament to the extraordinary character and accomplishment of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., that he’s the only other American to have a federal holiday – the third Monday in January - declared in his name.) At any rate, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which combined both holidays into the one that is now celebrated, so perversely….
NOTE: My choice of presidents to grace Mount Rushmore II: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald W. Reagan.
Your choice?
President’s Day
posted by ALH ipinions at 2/20/2006 07:05:00 AM
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6 Comments:
Anthony,
As a non American I would love to know who and how the other two presidents were selected for Mt. Rushmore and hence when do you think it would be appropriate for a Mt. Rushmore ll?
Anon
The presidents were chosen based on their "contributions to the nation". And, even though an inherently debatable criterion, I think few would question the selection of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Roosevelt, however, is another matter (although not for me. I think he's quite worthy!). But I recommend this link for insights on his selection: http://media.graniteschools.org/Curriculum/mt_rush/mr_ted.htm
And I recommend this link for more on the history of Mt Rushmore and the patriotic and very determined family who not only conceived the idea and but also supervised the construction: http://www.americanparknetwork.com/parkinfo/ru/history/carve.html
As for Mt Rushmore II, since I've already made my selection, I think it would be appropriate to start blasting away at the mountain right now!
Even Teddy's pushing it a bit... I wouldn't honor any of your 'Rushmore II' picks that way. I'd put the "Father of the Constitution" James Madison on though.
Hi Anthony
I agree that the original choices are good. I think your MT Rushmore II choices are good except for Reagan. Why him Anthony, why?
As a Non-American, I am a great admirer of these American President and the founding fathers. I must say that the reason American is such a strong leader and superpower is becuase of the great leadership those presidents provided in the early days of the country. Unfortunatley, the current president is throwing away that legacy.
Its a day when besides shopping, Americans should look into the achievements of thier leaders and hope to produce few more in wake of the chaning geo-political scenario. And as a Pakistani, I would hope that our country gets one leader like Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.
Abrar you stole my thunder.
I agree the Americans should thank their lucky stars for being blessed with such good leaders. I think the ones ALH suggests for a second mount rushmore are excellent choices too.
I do query whether we could find 4 great leaders in modern times (1750s to present) from Russia, Italy, China, France, Germany to compare. I imagine England would do well with Disraeli, Gladstone, Churchill, Thatcher?
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