IMPORTANT NATIONAL HOLIDAYS,
HISTORICAL SITES & MORE
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
January (3rd Monday)
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Martin Luther King Jr., was an influential civil rights activist known for leading the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. On August 28, 1963 King delivered his now famous "I Have a Dream" speech in front of a massive crowd of civil rights marchers gathered at the base of the Lincoln memorial in Washington DC. This address is regarded by many as one of the greatest speeches of all time. Martin Luther King Day is an official federal holiday that celebrates King's accomplishments, and marks the anniversary of King's birth (Jan. 15, 1929).
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY (AKA Presidents' Day)
February (3rd Monday)
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Designated to honor the life and work of the first president of the United States, George Washington, "Washington's Birthday" (actually on Feb. 22) is celebrated on the third Monday of February. Americans have been celebrating Washington's Birthday* since the late 18th century--while he was still president, though it was not adopted as an official federal holiday until 1885. At that same time many states outside of the old Confederacy celebrated Lincoln’s birthday (Feb. 12). Contrary to popular opinion, movements to re-name the holiday “Presidents Day” in honor of both great presidents has never been approved by Congress. However, the misconception was further perpetuated in 1968 when legislators passed the Monday Holiday Act, which moved the official observance of Washington’s Birthday to its official designation (the third Monday in February). Though technically inaccurate, many calendars in schools, planners, and even government publications list the day as “Presidents Day.” Those in favor of officially changing the day to “Presidents’ Day” feel the change would be a good way to honor both Washington and Lincoln. Other’s feel adamant that having an inclusive “Presidents’ Day” diminishes Washington’s importance in American history. Read about George Washington's Inauguration or his Farewell address.
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*Section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code.
MEMORIAL DAY
May (last Monday)
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Dedicated to remembering the men and women who gave their lives for the country and for freedom. It has been observed since the end of the Civil War in 1865, though it was originally called Decoration Day.
JULY 2, 1776
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In June 1776, the 13 colonies, already engaged in a struggle with Great Britain, sent representatives to weigh in on a proposal to declare their independence. On July 2nd the delegates voted in favor of the resolution that would cut ties from the king. While this day is not an official US holiday, it is an important day in our history. Learn more about the signers of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (AKA THE FOURTH OF JULY)
July 4
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Two days after adopting a resolution to declare their independence from Great Britain, the Continental Congress adopted The Declaration of Independence. This historic draft, authored by Thomas Jefferson is a crucial document for understanding the principles of freedom as outlined by our Founding Fathers. Learn more about the Declaration of Independence.
U.S. CONSTITUTION DAY and CITIZENSHIP DAY
September 17
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Also known as Citizenship Day, this federal observance day was designated to commemorate the formation of and signing of the Constitution, as well as to recognize all who (by age or naturalization) have become citizens of the United States of America. In an amendment to the Omnibus spending bill passed in 2004, Congress mandated that all publicly funded educational institutions as well as federal agencies, provided educational programming on the history of the Constitution on that day. The US constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787. When September 17th falls on a weekend or another holiday, schools and other institutions observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday. Learn more about the U.S. Constitution.
COLUMBUS DAY
October 10
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Celebrated in some cities as early as the 18th century, Columbus day commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day an official national holiday in 1937.
VETERANS DAY
November 11
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World War I ended in 1918. The following year President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for victory.” Because the Armistice between Germany and the Allied nations took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, November 11th, was chosen as Armistice Day and commemorated for the first time in 1919. At 11am, citizens participated in parades and public meetings as many businesses suspended their work.
In 1926, Congress officially recognized the end of World War I, and declared that the anniversary of Armistice Day should be commemorated. They told the president that he should "issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples."
An Act of Congress (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) passed in May 1938 made November 11 an official holiday known as Armistice Day.
In 1954, after participating in World War II (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), Congress changed “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day.” The change was intended to make November 11th a day for honoring all American veterans regardless of when or where they served.
The Uniforms Holiday Bill which took effect in 1971 moved Veterans day to the fourth Monday of October. However, many states disagreed with the federal government and kept their local Veteran’s Day activities on November 11th. After just four years President Gerald Ford signed a bill returning Veterans Day to November 11th.
Election Day
"The first Tuesday after November first"
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Federal Election Day is not a national holiday, but by statute it is scheduled for the choosing federal officers (President, Vice President and members of Congress). It occurs only on even-numbered years--the earliest possible date is November 2, the latest November 8.
Presidential elections held every four years. Members of the House of Representatives serve two year terms while members of the Senate are chosen every six years.
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Find out how to vote.
THANKSGIVING DAY
Fourth Thursday in November
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The idea of "Thanksgiving Day" in the United States can be traced back to 1789. In the first ever Presidential Proclamation, George Washington called for all Americans to observe "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer." Six years later he did it again. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln wrote a proclamation asking his fellow citizens at home and abroad "to set apart and observe...a day of thanksgiving and praise." Since 1863, every president has followed the pattern of inviting the nation (through proclamation) to unite in a day of thanks. In 1942 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint resolution with congress making the fourth Thursday of November an official holiday known as "Thanksgiving Day." However, presidents continue the tradition of issuing Thanksgiving Day proclamations each year. Read about the first Thanksgiving.
GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD
1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325
The battle at Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), resulted in over 51,000 casualties and became a turning point in the American Civil War.
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Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen soldiers at this National Park filled with more than 1,300 Civil War monuments, markers and memorials.
INDEPENDENCE HALL
520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This hallowed building is where both The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and ultimately adopted. Learn more about the signing of the U.S Constitution.
HISTORIC JAMESTOWNE
1368 Colonial Pkwy, Jamestown, VA 23081
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Jamestowne (1607) was the first successful English colony in America. Though previous settlements, such as Roanoke (1587) had failed, the colonists of Jamestowne discovered principles that would eventually lead to the formation of our new nation.
Today, Jamestowne is a part of Colonial National Park which includes York Town Battlefield, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial.
FORT McHENRY
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland
Fort McHenry is a coastal star-shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812, when on September 13, 1813, US soldiers survived an attack by the British navy from the Chesapeake Bay. During that battle, a storm flag measuring 17 by 25 feet, flew over the fort during the bombardment. The next morning the tattered flag was replaced by a larger flag (30 by 42 feet), to signal that the Americans had not been defeated. The sight of the flag inspired Francis Scott Key, and eyewitness to the battle, to pen a poem titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry." Later those words were set to music and eventually became know as The Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States of America.
MUCH MORE TO COME...
Check back soon.