Events

Presidents Day 2026: History, Meaning & Traditions

Published

3 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

Every February, Americans pause to recognize the nation’s highest office on Presidents Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the leaders who have shaped the United States. Observed on the third Monday of February, the holiday falls on February 16 in 2026.

The Origins of Presidents Day

Presidents Day originally began as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday. Born on February 22, 1732, Washington was widely revered as a foundational figure in American history — a Revolutionary War hero and the nation’s first president.

In 1879, Washington’s Birthday became an official federal holiday. Nearly a century later, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 shifted the observance to the third Monday in February, creating a long weekend for workers and broadening the holiday’s scope. Over time, it evolved into Presidents Day — a time to honor not just Washington, but also leaders like Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, and others who have served in the Oval Office.

A Day of Reflection and Celebration

Presidents Day is both commemorative and practical. While many government offices, banks, and schools close in observance, communities across the country host educational events, historical reenactments, and patriotic ceremonies.

At sites such as Mount Vernon — Washington’s historic Virginia estate — special programs and tributes are often held to honor the first president’s legacy. Meanwhile, retailers nationwide have turned the holiday into one of the year’s biggest sales weekends, making it a notable date on the commercial calendar as well.

The Broader Meaning

Beyond sales and long weekends, Presidents Day serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and challenges of presidential leadership. From times of war and economic hardship to moments of unity and progress, the office of the presidency has played a central role in shaping the American story.

As the nation reflects this Presidents Day, Americans are encouraged to learn more about the individuals who have held the office — their achievements, struggles, and enduring impact on the country’s democratic traditions.

Whether through visiting historic landmarks, reading biographies, or simply taking a moment to reflect, Presidents Day remains a tribute to leadership, service, and the evolving journey of the United States.

Photo Courtesy: Owen Cramsie

Events

Rare Six-Planet Parade Visible After Sunset Feb. 28

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Skywatchers are in for a treat on February 28, just after sunset, as six planets align in a rare and beautiful celestial parade across the evening sky.

The planetary lineup will include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

When and Where to Look

The best viewing window will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. Observers should look toward the western to southwestern horizon for the best chance of spotting the planetary alignment.

Mercury and Venus will appear low near the horizon, glowing in the fading twilight. Jupiter and Saturn will shine brighter and higher in the sky, making them easier to spot with the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune, however, are much fainter and may require binoculars or a small telescope for clear viewing.

A Rare Celestial Event

While planets regularly orbit the Sun along roughly the same plane, seeing six visible at once in the evening sky is relatively uncommon. Events like this offer a striking reminder of the vastness and intricate timing of our solar system.

Weather permitting, this alignment promises to be a memorable sight for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

Step outside, allow your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness, and enjoy this cosmic show — no special equipment required, though a telescope can enhance the experience.

Events

February 26, 1993 World Trade Center Bombing Remembered at 9/11 Memorial

Published

2 weeks ago

February 26, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Thirty-three years have passed since terrorists first attacked the World Trade Center on a cold February afternoon in 1993, but the memories of those killed remain vivid for family members, first responders, and survivors.

On Feb. 26, 1993, at approximately 12:18 p.m., terrorists led by Ramzi Yousef detonated a rental truck packed with roughly 1,200 pounds of explosives in the public parking garage beneath the North Tower. The powerful blast tore through multiple sub-basement levels, killing six innocent people and injuring more than 1,000 others. Tens of thousands of workers were forced to evacuate as thick, black smoke filled stairwells and corridors throughout both towers.

The attackers intended for the explosion to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, a catastrophic plan that ultimately failed. However, the devastation near the blast zone was immediate and deadly.

The six victims killed in the bombing were John DiGiovanni, Robert Kirkpatrick of Suffern, NY, Stephen A. Knapp, William Macko, Wilfredo Mercado, and Monica Rodriguez, who was seven months pregnant at the time.

On Thursday afternoon, hundreds gathered at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza in Lower Manhattan for the annual remembrance ceremony. Family members of the victims stood alongside first responders and Port Authority employees who were present during the 1993 attack. Together, they honored the lives lost in what would become a grim precursor to future acts of terrorism on American soil.

Though the 1993 bombing did not bring down the towers, history would later mark it as a harbinger of the devastation that followed on September 11, 2001. On that day, terrorists succeeded in destroying the Twin Towers, killing nearly 3,000 people and forever changing the nation.

More than three decades later, the 1993 bombing remains a solemn reminder of the lives taken, the resilience of New York City, and the enduring commitment to remember those who were lost.

Photo by Amy Dreher