US Holidays

The United States of America is a big and diverse country. It has people from many different backgrounds and beliefs. The US also has many holidays that celebrate its history, values, and traditions. Some of these holidays are federal holidays, which means most people get a day off from work or school. Other holidays are state or local holidays, which means only some people celebrate them. And some holidays are cultural or religious holidays, which means people celebrate them in different ways.

Federal Holidays

There are 11 federal holidays in the US. They are:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1): This is the first day of the new year. People celebrate by making resolutions, watching fireworks, and having parties.
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday of January): This is the birthday of a famous civil rights leader who fought for equality and justice. People honor his legacy by doing community service, attending marches, and learning about his life.
  • Washington’s Birthday (Third Monday of February): This is the birthday of the first president of the US, George Washington. He is also known as the “Father of the Country”. People remember his achievements by visiting monuments, reading books, and learning about the American Revolution.
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday of May): This is the day to remember the people who died while serving in the US military. People honor them by visiting cemeteries, flying flags, and attending parades.
  • Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19): This is the day to celebrate the end of slavery in the US. It marks the date when the last enslaved people in Texas learned that they were free in 1865. People celebrate by having picnics, festivals, and cultural events.
  • Independence Day (July 4): This is the day to celebrate the birth of the US as a nation. It marks the date when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. People celebrate by watching fireworks, having barbecues, and wearing red, white, and blue.
  • Labor Day (First Monday of September): This is the day to honor the workers who contribute to the economy and society of the US. It also marks the end of summer. People celebrate by having picnics, going to the beach, and shopping for sales.
    learn more: Labor Day (Study Guide)
  • Columbus Day (Second Monday of October): This is the day to commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. He is credited with opening the New World to European exploration and colonization. People celebrate by having parades, learning about history, and honoring their heritage.
    learn more: October 12th Holiday Two Perspectives (Study Guide)
  • Veterans Day (November 11): This is the day to thank the people who served in the US military. It marks the date when World War I ended in 1918. People honor them by attending ceremonies, wearing poppies, and donating to veterans’ causes.
    learn more: Labor Day (Study Guide)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday of November): This is the day to express gratitude for the blessings of life. It also celebrates the harvest and the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans in 1621. People celebrate by having a big meal with turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, watching football, and spending time with family and friends.
    learn more: Thanksgiving Day (Study Guide)
  • Christmas Day (December 25): This is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God in Christianity. It is also a time of joy, peace, and goodwill. People celebrate by decorating trees, exchanging gifts, singing carols, and attending church services.
Fixed or Floating Holiday

Some holidays have a specific date because they are based on a historical event or a religious calendar. For example, Independence Day is on July 4 because that is the date when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Christmas Day is on December 25 because that is the date when Christians believe Jesus Christ was born. 

Other holidays have a day based somewhere in the month because they are based on a rule or a tradition. For example, Thanksgiving Day is on the fourth Thursday of November because that is the rule set by Congress in 1941. Labor Day is on the first Monday of September because that is the tradition started by the labor movement in the late 1800s. 

Sometimes, the date or the day of a holiday can change depending on the year or the place. For example, Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25, depending on the lunar calendar. Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the US. It is on June 19, but some states or cities may observe it on a different day.

Other times the date is change because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which moved several federal holidays from fixed dates to designated Mondays. The purpose of this act was to create more three-day weekends for workers. They are:

  • Martin Luther King Jr:  was established in 1983 as a floating holiday after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act
  • Washington’s Birthday: third Monday in February (formerly February 22) 
  • Memorial Day: last Monday in May (formerly May 30) 
  • Columbus Day: second Monday in October (formerly October 12) 
  • Veterans Day: fourth Monday in October (formerly November 11)
    However, Veterans Day was moved back to its original date of November 11 in 1978, after many people protested and petitioned against the change
  • Martin Luther King Jr:  was established in 1983 as a floating holiday after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act

Culture and Holidays

The US holidays reflect the culture of the US. They show the values, beliefs, and traditions of the people. They also show the diversity and unity of the country. The US holidays are a way of remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the future. They are a way of sharing and learning from each other. They are a way of being American.