Tomorrow we’re honoring two of our noblest of leaders by closing banks and hosting white sales.

George Washington (February 22, 1732), and Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809) I’m sure would be honored to know, in their memory, we all got a great deal on sheets.

When I was a kid, we celebrated them separately, but in our hurry up…who has time…cyber world, we’ve combined them like roommates who once lived alone.

The other point I’d like to make is, it’s really a day for all presidents, not just the rock stars.  And yes, I suppose Donald Trump would have to be included in the party, republican or otherwise.

I think of Teddy, saddled on Little Texas, climbing up San Juan Hill, the presidency just over the horizon.

Thomas Jefferson seated behind his desk, basking in his Declaration of Independence.

James Madison fleeing the White House with Dolly saving Washington’s portrait, moments before the British burned it down.

FDR hosting a naked Churchill, walking those hallowed halls, scaring the hell out of  Eleanor.

JFK escorting Jackie into one of their illustrious state dinners to hear Pablo Casals play.

But alas, Abe and George, the Mick and Elvis of the White House, are our annual guests of honor considered the noblest of all.

Two things stay with me.

One, is how manners caused George to deathly depart after catching cold riding home in a rainstorm.  Guests were expected, and upon arriving late, so not to delay dinner any longer, he didn’t change his wet clothes, dying at the age of 67, on December 14, 1799.

Tis well, were his last words to those assembled at his bedside.

Abe, on that fateful Good Friday in April, 1865, took a carriage ride with Mrs. Lincoln that afternoon. According to a witness he had said, “Mother, we need to try to be happier. When our work is done here, perhaps we could travel…see more of the world.”

Still in mourning for their young son Willie who had recently passed, their pact to proceed in earnest was indeed a poignant one.

I like thinking George and Abe were at peace, riding their mares to those Elysian Fields they both wholeheartedly believed in.

So I will toast them today and quote Teddy by saying…

Bully…to both of you, wherever you happen to be. 

SB