Illinois Celebrates First ‘Barack Obama Day’ Commemorative Holiday

On Saturday, August 4, 2018, the state of Illinois celebrated it’s first official Barack Obama Day. The state holiday will honor the 44th President’s birthday in observance of all he has done for Illinois and the United States. Obama turned 57 this year and celebrated with a family dinner in Washington D.C.

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The bill to create the holiday was initially rejected by Illinois state lawmakers last year, according to NBC Chicago. The original bill proposed making Barack Obama Day a full legal holiday, closing schools and government offices and giving workers a paid day off, but Republicans objected to the cost. The bill was reintroduced and passed this year, making Barack Obama Day a commemorative holiday — schools and government offices remain open.

The act, passed by the Illinois General Assembly, states, “August 4th of each year is designated as Barack Obama Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities.” Obama began his political career as a community organizer in the poor neighborhoods of Chicago. He was elected as state and then U.S. senator of Illinois before he became President. Obama also taught law at the University of Chicago for over 10 years.

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His wife Michelle Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden both took to Twitter to wish him a Happy Birthday.