Robert E. Lee's birthday is also known as Confederate Heroes Day, which falls in different times of the year, depending on the states. In Texas, for example, it is still the third Monday in January, same as MLK Day. Not many people know this anymore.

Back in the 1950's, banks and even public schools would shut down to observe this day, to honor our ancestors. What we have today is part sad coincidence and partly the legacy of neverending Reconstruction politics.

Happy Birthday, General Lee.