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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. Mount Pleasant Town Historian George Waterbury said when he was younger, Presidents Day was a totally different holiday all together.
When I was in school many years ago in Pleasantville, we used to have separate celebrations for both Lincolns and Washingtons birthdays, Waterbury said. And we used to have a little parade at the schools to honor both of them separately,
Waterbury, who also serves as the head of the Mount Pleasant Historical Society, is a World War II veteran and a lifelong resident of the town. The 89-year-old says that every year he attends the Presidents Day Memorial in White Plains with many other local veterans and residents. Today, Americas forefathers are honored with just one day as opposed to two. On Monday, the Mount Pleasant Town Hall will be closed to recognize the holiday, as well as all Mount Pleasant schools and many other areas of the town such as the public library. However, no official ceremony or event will be held by the town.
Although the holiday is not recognized as much on the local level in Mount Pleasant, Waterbury hopes that younger generations are aware of their fore fathers.
I think more should be done, Waterbury said. At least just a little something to celebrate the founders of our country.
Waterbury said his favorite part of Presidents Day every year is being able to gather with fellow veterans and discuss past times in America.
My wife and I, we probably have over 20 flags hanging around our house or outside in our garden and such, Waterbury said. I love this country.
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