Today is President's Day, the national holiday which is set aside to honor the 43 men who have held our nation's highest office.

Originally, there were two separate holidays in February, one celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12 and the second honoring George Washington on February 22. However, in 1971, President Richard Nixon signed a law proclaiming the third Monday in February 'President's Day' and having it honor all American presidents.

Perhaps there was some controversy over celebrating Lincoln's birthday in the South since Lincoln led the Union through the Civil War between 1861-1865. Regardless, historians generally revere Washington and Lincoln as the two greatest American presidents.

Washington is considered 'The Father of Our Country.' He led the United States to victory in the Revolutionary War which gained freedom for the 13 colonies from England. He later served as our nation's first president and unified the country like no president ever has.

Lincoln is best known for guiding the nation through the bloodiest time in its history, the Civil War. He also issued The Emancipation Proclamation which freed the slaves during the later stages of the fighting.

While it may seem odd to honor such 'obscure' presidents as William Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren, all men who served our country as president deserve some honor. Furthermore, the focus of the holiday remains on our two greatest presidents, Washington and Lincoln whose birthdays it falls out closest to.