Veterans Day honors military service. The Fourth of July acknowledges the country’s independence. But Presidents Day is something of a mystery. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a catch-all holiday meant to celebrate the presidents.

The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents' Day began in the late 1960s, when Congress proposed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 17. The federal holiday is observed each year on the third Monday of February. Officially known as Washington's Birthday, the federal holiday was originally meant to honor the country's first president,