College Republicans recognize Presidents Day

Young Republicans held a party to celebrate past presidents.

By Will Guldin

Published Feb. 16, 2009

Every year Presidents Day honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but the election of President Barack Obama has added a new perspective to the holiday.

To celebrate, MU College Republicans held a party Monday night in the Agriculture Building with an appearance by guest speaker Henry Atkinson, a former member of the group.

Afterwards refreshments and a presidential-themed cake with former President Ronald Reagan's likeness imposed on Mount Rushmore were served.

During his speech, Atkinson discussed the history of Republican presidents and their roles in the Civil Rights movement. He began with the story of Abraham Lincoln and he then talked about Republicans' roles in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Atkinson also talked about the election of Obama in perspective of the holiday.

"Having the first black president is a tremendous accomplishment and a sign of racial progress in our country," Atkinson said. "Whether one supports the views of President Obama or the views of Justice Clarence Thomas, we should be glad our country has moved forward to embrace these fine public servants instead of looking to prejudice that deprived America of leaders who never had the opportunity to share their talents."

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a politically conservative member of the court.

For many at the meeting, the election has changed how the holiday is viewed. Freshman Brett Dinkins said now Presidents Day has a more universal meaning for many people. Dinkins said in the past, the holiday made many people feel left out.

"Now I think it more encompasses everyone," Dinkins said. "Everyone can appreciate Presidents Day a little bit more. I think it outreaches to some different communities that can be proud to have that representation of a black president."

Atkinson said he hopes Obama's election will give the day more meaning.

"It's sort of become more of an advertising pitch than learning from the day," Atkinson said. "You have to learn from that holiday and learn what it's about and value the meaning of it instead of just, you know, using it as a slogan or advertising idea."

Some did not see the election as having an impact on how the holiday is perceived. MU College Republicans Chairman Jeremy Hagen said the holiday still serves as an opportunity for him to look back on past presidencies.

"The meaning of Presidents Day to me is that it allows for a particularly special day for me to reflect on the successes of past presidents, Republican or Democrat or otherwise," Hagen said. "I often look at presidents who did particularly great things."