It’s always nice to have a long weekend, and thanks to America’s 10 federal holidays, we have several opportunities throughout the year to enjoy an extra day to celebrate during the week. While many workplaces do close in observance of federal holidays, it’s important to check with your employer to find out which holidays your workplace observes.
- New Year’s Day: Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Honors Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
- President’s Day: The original name of this holiday was designed to commemorate the first president of the U.S., George Washington. More recently, this holiday is more commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day. It is considered a day that honors all American presidents.
- Memorial Day: Honors those lost in war from the American Civil War to the present day. It also marks the unofficial start of the summer season.
- Independence Day: Also referred to as the Fourth of July, this holiday celebrates the Declaration of Independence, which gave America independence from Great Britain.
- Labor Day: This holiday celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers and the labor movement. It also marks the unofficial end of the summer season.
- Columbus Day: Celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America in 1492.
- Veterans Day: Honors military veterans. Traditionally, a moment of silence is observed at 11:00 a.m. to remember those killed in war.
- Thanksgiving Day: Celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest and traditionally includes a turkey dinner.
- Christmas Day: Commemorates the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.
