First Ladies Day

Every February, on Presidents’ Day, America honors our long line of Commanders-in-Chief. But I want to make the case that our First Ladies achievements shouldn’t be overlooked as well. Maybe it’s time we chose a day to honor them too.

The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the title we use to refer to the President’s wife. While the First Lady isn’t an official position like that of the President, the person in the position still holds a lot of influence in politics and in the country’s affairs. Martha Washington, the wife of the first U.S. president, George Washington (in office 1789-1797), and her two successors, Abigail Adams (wife of John Adams) and Dolley Madison (wife of James Madison), paved the way for the institution of the First Lady in the early days of America’s new democracy. These First Ladies led very public, and highly criticized, lives. They had to juggle their responsibilities as mothers, wives, and public figures. Back then, women couldn’t vote or hold elected office, but these women helped shape America’s future by offering guidance to their husbands. This often had consequences. Abigail Adams was mocked for being too influential over her husband, Dolley Madison was said to be too fancy, because she wore expensive gowns and jewelry, and Martha Washington felt that the strain of public life made her feel like a prisoner.

Today’s public scrutiny over the lives of First Ladies is as unrelenting now as it was for the first three First Ladies. A First Lady’s every movement, statements and even fashion tastes are closely monitored through the Internet, social media and TV. But being in the spotlight hasn’t stopped America’s First Ladies from acting on goals that they believe will help benefit the nation. Ever since Martha Washington, who championed benefits for veterans of the Revolutionary War, every First Lady has made an effort to further a goal for the common good. For this, we should celebrate First Ladies alongside our presidents.

Some notable first ladies include:

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (in office 1933-1945). She greatly expanded the role of the First Lady by hiring a professional, federally funded staff. Mrs. Roosevelt fought for women’s rights and civil rights at a time when much of the country was still racially segregated and women were still discriminated against in public life and in the workplace.

Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy (1961-1963). She helped restore the White House building and was a supporter of the arts.

“Lady Bird” Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969), advocated for environmental protection and preservation of natural landmarks.

Nancy Reagan, wife of President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989), started the “Just Say No” campaign to help fight against adolescent drug abuse.

Hillary Clinton, wife of President Bill Clinton (1993-2001). She helped start the discussions on the reform of the American healthcare system.

Laura Bush, wife of President George W. Bush (2001-2009), who helped improve childhood literacy.

Michelle Obama, wife of President Barack Obama (2009-2017), is one of the most memorable First Ladies of the 21st century. Her causes ranged from childhood obesity to ending veteran homelessness, aiding military families, LGBTQ rights and increasing childhood education for girls.

Melania Trump, wife of President Donald Trump (2017-2021), was known for her anti-cyberbullying campaign “Be Best.”

Our current First Lady, Jill Biden, wife of President Joe Biden. She focuses much of her time on her “Joining Forces” campaign, which seeks to increase access and benefits to veterans and their families.

Along with their political influence and their ability to advocate for social change, First Ladies have also been known for their deep cultural influence over the years. Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was often referred to as one of the best-dressed women in the country. Jacqueline Kennedy’s glamor and star-power made her a global fashion icon. While this may sound trivial, the fashion choices of a First Lady can send powerful statements. When President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, Jacqueline was right by his side from the moment he was shot to the moment he died. That night, when Vice President Johnson was sworn in as President Johnson, Mrs. Kennedy refused to remove her blood-soaked clothes. She wanted the world to see “what they [had] done to Jack.” It was a shocking and powerful photo that both conveyed her grief and love for her husband, as well as the shocking new world that America had found itself in. Mrs. Kennedy also arranged her husband’s state funeral, modeled after the state funeral arranged by Mary Todd Lincoln after the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln.

The influence of the First Ladies has helped women’s voices enter spaces that were long denied to them. The Smithsonian Institution’s first female-centric exhibition, The First Ladies Collection, was opened in 1914, and has been one of its most popular attractions ever since. The Office of the First Lady was formally established in 1977 by Rosalyn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, and has helped First Ladies create a professional environment to help execute their goals. Since the President’s office is in the West Wing of the White House, the First Ladies now have their own office in the East Wing.

First Ladies have accomplished quite a lot. Their husband’s may often get all the credit but, as the saying goes, behind every great man is a greater woman. Isn’t it time for them to get some recognition too?