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One of the great freedoms we enjoy as Americans is the right to disagree with our politicians. If you need a reminder, all you have to do is ask the last several men who have served as our president—Joe Biden and his immediate predecessors, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

And while your perception of whoever the current occupant of the White House is at any given time is certainly determined by where you fall on the political spectrum, we ask that everyone take a moment to consider the presidency itself.

Monday will be Presidents Day, and it should be a chance to reflect, to honor and to give thanks. It should be an opportunity to remember that while our president changes every four or eight years, our democracy continues to set a standard that is the envy of the rest of the world. The office itself serves as a testament to—and a symbol of—leadership that resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C.

The holiday is the combination of days that originally had been set aside to honor Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln but has become much more—it’s a chance to remember each of the individuals who has held the office and the sacrifices they and their families have been willing to make to ensure our country’s institutions continue to function in an orderly manner. That’s something that we all too easily take for granted, especially in an age when constant criticism has become the norm. Are there flaws in our country and the people we choose as leaders? Undoubtedly.

One of the primary reasons that Presidents Day holds such significance is because it serves as a reminder of the democratic principles upon which our nation was founded. The peaceful transition of power from one president to the next is a hallmark of our democracy, underscoring the importance of leadership in ensuring the continuity and stability of our government.

While Presidents Day traditionally celebrates the contributions of past presidents to the nation as a whole, it also offers us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of local leadership and its direct influence on our daily lives.

In our community, local leaders play a vital role in shaping the policies, programs and initiatives that directly impact our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and quality of life. From city council to school board members, mayors to county commissioners, these individuals make decisions that affect everything from local taxes and infrastructure to education and public safety.

This federal holiday serves as a reminder of the significance of civic engagement and the power of community involvement. It’s a time to recognize the dedication and hard work of our local leaders who devote themselves to serving our community and addressing the needs of its residents.

Moreover, Presidents Day encourages us to reflect on the values and principles guiding our community and consider how we can contribute to its betterment. Whether it’s through volunteering, participating in local government or simply being a responsible and engaged citizen, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our community.

Presidents Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of our community. Just as our nation is comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life, so, too, is our local community. Presidents Day reminds us of the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals.

Each year as we observe Presidents Day, we should take a moment to express gratitude for the local leaders who work to improve our community. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to active citizenship and civic engagement, recognizing that positive change begins at the grassroots level.

… And at the national level, while we may not agree with the president and his policies, it is our duty to respect the office, just as it is the president’s duty to respect the office and the democracy it represents.