While Americans used to celebrate George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays every year as federal holidays, in the early seventies, some elected officials decided it was too much to have two full holidays in a short month, so we shortened it to President’s Day.

Of course, we didn’t have Google or Wikipedia in those days, so no one realized that they also had a President’s Day in Botswana – don’t worry, most Americans don’t recognize Botswana anyway.

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN SIPPING COFFEE IN THE OVAL OFFICE IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF PRESIDENT’S DAY, 2010.

OBAMA:

(sucking a little air through his teeth)

So, how were the Olympic games, Joe?

BIDEN:

(smiling wide – holding out a few pins he collected while there)

They were terrific, Mr. President.  It was a bit cold, though.  Here, I brought you something.

OBAMA:          

It’s the winter Olympics, Joe, it’s probably best that it’s cold, don’t you think?  What is this?  (looking at the pin)

BIDEN:

It’s a team pin from Botswana, it’s a gift for President’s Day.

OBAMA:          

(looking over his reading glasses at Biden – pause)

Why?

BIDEN:

(smiling way wide)

Botswana has a President’s Day too.  I thought it would a fun thing to remember the day by.

OBAMA:          

How is it that you know about a President’s Day in Botswana, Joe?

BIDEN:

Well, I was answering a question by a reporter in Canada (Obama grimaces) about how much it costs us here to have a day to honor our presidents.

OBAMA:

(taking off his glasses and massaging his temples)

What did you tell them, Joe?

BIDEN:

Well, I did some quick math and figured that about 100 million people probably got the day off with pay, for 8 hours at an average of $15 per hour, and figured it was a Trillion dollars or so.  (leaning forward)  And, here’s the kicker.  I had staff do a quick search of President’s Day and they found one in Botswana too.  (he leans back on the sofa and makes a gesture with his open hands, like, “you see?”)

OBAMA:

And?

BIDEN:

Well, I told the reporter they had one in Botswana too and then quickly turned my conversation over to Peggy Fleming, who is still hot, by the way.

OBAMA:

Thanks for the update, Joe.