The complete list of Federal Holidays, which is
recognized by law, differs significantly from the
numerous traditional holidays celebrated in the United
States. At the present time, there are 10 such holidays.
There is an interesting paradox concerning federally
recognized holidays verses traditional holidays.
Government employees will receive paid leave for the
occasions recognized by law, while employees of private
industry will typically work on these days. In contrast
to this situation, private industry will typically
acknowledge traditional holidays for their employees
when the government will not.
Holidays recognized by the government fall throughout
the year beginning on January 1st of every year. Each
occasion carries its own special national significance
or maintains some historical value.
New Year’s Day: January 1st
The tradition of New Year’s Day has existed in western
civilization and around the world for millennia. Many
cultures, U.S included, acknowledge this day as a time
to remember the events of the past year and to celebrate
the beginning of the next. Hugely popular is the
tradition of the countdown and subsequent falling of the
Times Square Ball in New York City at precisely the
moment the calendar date rolls forward. While the actual
holiday falls in the 1st day of the New Year, much of
the celebration begins the night before.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
This holiday represents the birthday of civil rights
leader, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. His actual
birthday falls on January 15, each year but is
acknowledged on the third Monday. King’s acknowledgement
arises from his insistent concern for non-violent
activism during a time when many protestors were less
willing to seek change through civilized means. He was
able to influence a revolution in thought that both
changed the way human rights were viewed in America as
well as how activism for change was organized. It is
interesting to note that while this is solely and
American event, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is
recognized in Toronto, Canada, and Hiroshima, Japan, due
to his concern for human rights.
President’s Day: Third Monday in February
The first President of the United States, George
Washington, is honored during this federal holiday in
February. The date of celebration relates to
Washington’s Birthday which is actually February 22,
even though the holiday will never fall on this day. The
title Washington’s Birthday is synonymous with the title
President’s Day. The origin of the establishment of this
holiday dates back to 1880 when an Act of Congress set
aside this day for government offices in the District of
Columbia. This is the first holiday created to recognize
a citizen of the United States.
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Originally established to recognize the soldiers who
sacrificed their lives in the Civil War, Memorial Day is
now celebrated in honor of all American soldiers who
have died for this country. The first known accounts of
Memorial Day occurred at various times throughout the
month of May in 1865.
Independence Day: July 4th
Independence Day is a general term used by nations
around the world that represents a nation’s declaration
of sovereignty. In this United States, The Fourth of
July is the nation’s Independence Day. This is a
reflection of the acceptance of the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 1776 by the original thirteen
colonies. Until that time, what is today considered
America was a commonwealth of the Kingdom of Great
Britain. The consequences of this day in 1776, during
the Revolutionary War, lead to the liberation and the
creation of this nation. The tradition of celebrating
the Fourth of July began in the following year, 1777.
Labor Day: First Monday in September
The first Monday in September is observed as a day when
the nation celebrated the contribution of the American
worker. The idea for this holiday originated in 1882 but
was not nationally recognized until 1894. During a time
of great conflict between labor unions and employers,
Labor Day was signed into law by Grover Cleveland in an
attempt to reconcile this conflict.
Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
Columbus Day is a federal holiday established to
recognize the discovery of the Americas on October 12,
1492. Celebrated unofficially through the 18th century,
Columbus Day was written into law in 1937. Columbus Day
is largely used as a symbol of exploration, discovery,
nationalism, patriotism and social progress.
Veterans Day: November 11th
The date of November 11th is the actual holiday but will
be celebrated federally on the nearest Monday. The
significance of the 11th originates in World War I when
the major fighting with German forces came to an end.
This ending is said to have occurred during the 11th
hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in the year
1918. Originally established as Armistice Day by
President Woodrow Wilson, this holiday was later
modified to honor the sacrifice of service members
involved in all American military conflicts.
Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
This federally recognized holiday is celebrated
traditionally following a pattern established during the
early colonial days in the New World. While specific
origins are debatable, the theme became a tradition that
celebrates the fall harvest. Thanksgiving is centered on
large family gatherings and great feasting that shows
appreciation for an abundance of staple food sources. At
present, Thanksgiving is an excuse to eat copious
amounts of food, gather with family and friends, and
watch football.
Christmas Day: December 25th
The Christmas Day celebration is central to the American
holiday season. The date of December 25th is meant to
correspond with the date of the birth of Jesus Christ.
While the original significance of this holiday has its
roots in Christianity, people around the country and the
world have adopted the traditions of gift giving,
seasonal decorations, family gatherings, and the
displaying of a Christmas tree to celebrate this
holiday.
Each of these 10 federal holidays maintain their own
significance and are recognized by federal law for the
historical value of the purpose and meaning behind these
celebrated days.
