Presidents’ Day Message 2026

The two presidents that we celebrate on this holiday were unique in their times. George Washington was extraordinary in his mission to win our independence was also humble enough to walk away from the seat of power that he held as president.

Abraham Lincoln, on the other hand, held the Union together through a brutal civil war and then signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

We respect these leaders — Washington, because he set the example of power that embraced humility and respect for the architects of the republic that they led and served, and Lincoln, because he was able to guide — and preserve — the nation during one of the most tumultuous times in U.S. history.

These leaders possessed the courage, intellect and moral fabric to serve.

Lincoln’s basic morality helped him evolve into the leader who could learn and transform this great nation into an even better one. I see them both as brave and intellectually equal to the tasks they were given.

But let’s consider some of the presidents that followed them. I will only speak of the presidents who served in my lifetime. Franklin Delano Roosevelt led this country through an economic collapse and a war — that was a great feat — and created an America that the leaders who followed gave us peace and prosperity that lasted 80 years. Thank you!

Then there were the presidents who served in the military in the last century. Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F Kennedy, and Jimmy Carter. There were others who served, but these presidents not only served honorably, they served courageously, demonstrating character and bravery. Thank you all.