Robert E Lee's Birthday in United StatesQuick FactsRobert E. Lee’s birthday is an annual official state holiday that is shared with Martin Luther King’s birthday in some parts of the United States.Local names
Alternative nameRobert E Lee DayRobert E Lee's Birthday 2010Monday, January 18, 2010Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Robert E Lee's Birthday 2011Monday, January 17, 2011Wednesday, January 19, 2011 See list of observations below Some states in the United States officially recognize Robert E. Lee’s birthday as an annual shared state holiday with Martin Luther King’s birthday on the third Monday of January.  Robert E. Lee (statue pictured above) is remembered on the third Monday of January. ©iStockphoto.com/DoxaDigital What do people do?Robert E. Lee’s birthday is officially recognized as a combined holiday with Martin Luther King’s birthday, also known as Martin Luther King Day or Martin Luther King Jr Day, in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi. Martin Luther King’s birthday is a federal holiday in the United States. Robert E. Lee’s birthday is also known as Robert E. Lee Day. Robert E. Lee’s birthday is designated on January 19, rather than the third Monday of January in Florida, where it is a legal holiday but it is not a paid holiday for state branches or agencies. Marches, parades, wreath laying ceremonies and musket salutes are all part of the celebrations for Robert E. Lee’s birthday. Many publications run editorial notes to commemorate both Robert E. Lee’s and Martin Luther King Jr’s achievements on or around the combined holiday. It is also customary for some state governors to proclaim the Robert E. Lee/Martin Luther King holiday to the general public. Robert E. Lee’s birthday may not be an official public holiday in other states but there are many people who remember his life and achievements on either the third Monday of January or January 19, which is his actual birthday. Lee-Jackson Day is a state holiday in Virginia on the Friday before Martin Luther King Day to honor both Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Robert E. Lee is also remembered as part of Confederate Memorial Day, also known as Confederate Heroes Day, which falls in different times of the year, depending on the states. Public lifeThe combined Robert E. Lee/Martin Luther King holiday is a state holiday in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi on the third Monday of January. It a legal day but it is not a paid holiday for state branches or agencies in Florida. Martin Luther King’s birthday is a national holiday. Government offices, post offices, educational institutions and most businesses are closed on this day. Those wishing to travel via public transport will need to check time schedules with the appropriate transport authorities prior to travelling. BackgroundRobert E. Lee was a commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). He was born in Stratford, Virginia, on January 19, 1807. His father was known as “Light Horse Harry Lee”, a Revolutionary War hero. Robert E. Lee graduated second in his class at West Point, earning no demerits for discipline infractions during his year there. Robert E. Lee’s first military action after graduation from West Point was in 1845, in the war with Mexico. He met and worked with later key players in the Civil War, including James Longstreet, Ulysses S. Grant, George Pickett and Thomas J. Jackson. Lee worked as an army engineer prior to the Civil War. He helped build the waterfront in St Louis and coastal forts in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia. He was appointed superintendent of West Point in 1852 and is considered one of the best superintendents in the institution's history. Abraham Lincoln, who later became president of the United States, offered Robert E. Lee command of the Union Army in 1861 but Lee refused. He would not raise arms against his native state. Lee resigned his commission and headed home to Virginia. Lee served as adviser to Confederate leader Jefferson Davis, and then commanded the Army of Northern Virginia. After four years of death and destruction, Robert E. Lee met Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Virginia, where both generals ended their battles. Lee told his comrades, “Go home and be good Americans”. Lee was appointed as president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia in 1865. The school was later renamed to include his name in his honor. He died of a heart attack at Washington-Lee College on October 12, 1870, and is buried in a chapel on the school grounds with his family. SymbolsVarious monuments, heritage sites, and institutions (including schools) are named after General Robert E. Lee. Political leaders in modern history have been quoted to honor him. For example, Winston Churchill once said that Robert E. Lee was one of the noblest Americans who ever lived. Lee's motto is known to be “Duty, Honor, Country.” Robert E Lee's Birthday Observances
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