Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Presidents’ Day:
“Happy Presidents Day! This year’s federal holiday is during America’s 250th year and honors a heritage spanning 47 U.S. presidents. Under federal law, the holiday is officially designated George Washington’s Birthday, giving special honor to the first President of the United States for his importance to the establishment of the new nation in the late 1700’s.
“When he was inaugurated, there were no traditions to follow so his presidency created lasting protocol. In 1789, he issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation, calling for a national day for prayer and giving thanks. Then, in 1790, he gave a message to Congress that later became the tradition of the State of the Union address. He voluntarily left office after two terms, though he was in good health at 65 years old, setting each of those important precedents.
“President Abraham Lincoln also had a February birthday and is the other of the two great historic presidents associated most often with Presidents Day.
“In American Samoa, President Lyndon Johnson is the only President to set foot in our territory while in office, in 1966, and the Tropical Medical Center that has served our people since 1968 is named for him. President Dwight Eisenhower has a special place in our history for first appointing a Samoan Governor in 1956.
“The President of the United States has enormous responsibility with a leadership role for 340 million people. May God bless the United States and American Samoa!”
