American Holiday

U.S National Holidays

Interesting feature of U.S holidays is the United States does not have national holidays where all employees in the U.S. receive a day free from work and all business is halted. The U.S. Federal government can only recognize national holidays that pertain to its own employees; it is at the discretion of each state or local jurisdiction to determine official holiday schedules. There are ten federal holidays and state holidays. Most of the holidays are on Monday, so people can rest on friday through on monday for 4 days. If holiday falls on nonwork day such as saterday and sunday, the holiday usually is observed on Monday or Friday.

Federal holidays

New Year's Day = Feb. 1

The first day of the new year, often celebrated with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts. The current celebration includes parades such as the Tournament of Roses parade, college football bowl games such as the Orange Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday = Third Monday in January

A United States holiday marking the birthdate of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January, around the time of King's birthday, January 15. It is one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person.

President Day = Third Monday in February

This legislation moved the legal observance of George Washington 's birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February. Since Washington's birthday fell so soon after Abraham Lincoln's birthday (February 12), many states chose to combine the two events into President's Day. Other states honor all former presidents on this day.

 

Memorial Day = Last Monday in May

The original purpose of the day was to honor those who fought in the Civil War, but now it is expanded to honor those who died during each of the wars in which the United States fought. Typical activities include placing flowers on the graves of soldiers and many communities have parades as tributes to the soldiers who died. It marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season.

Independence Day = July. 4

The Fourth of July had become the most significant patriotic occasion in the United States. It celebrates the birthday of the United States of America. Founded July 4th 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America is celebrating it's 233rd birthday this year (2009) 

 The 4th of July is a time for the Red, White and Blue. A time for Picnics, Parades and Marching Bands. A time for Beaches, BBQs and "Bombs Bursting in Air."





Labor Day = First Monday in September

Labor Day occurs on the first Monday in September and was first celebrated in the United States on September 5, 1882. The date was deliberately selected to fall between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The first celebration was observed only in New York City with a parade of about 10,000 workers. The idea spread quickly and in 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday. It means the end of summer and the vacation season as well as the beginning of school for many students.

Columbus Day = Second Monday in October

The day honors Christopher Columbus, traditional discoverer of the Americas.The traditional Columbus Day in the United States includes a parade down New York's Fifth Avenue. Parades and pageantry are often featured in smaller towns and cities. In recent years, the holiday has been rejected by many people who view it as a celebration of conquest and genocide.

Veterans Day = November. 11

 

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. 

Thanksgiving Day = Fourth Thursday in November

One of the most important holidays in America, traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Most Americans celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. Traditionally includes the consumption of a turkey dinner. Traditional start of the holiday season.

Christmas Day = December. 25

An annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth althought It is unknown whether this day is Jesus' actual date of birth. Christmas is also the popular secular holiday which focuses upon the many versions of St. Nicholas and other traditions such as Christmas carols, mistletoe, Christmas cards, and giftgiving. Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what they'd like to receive for Christmas.