Federal holidays are an important part of the American calendar, providing much-needed breaks for federal government workers. There are a total of 11 federal holidays as legislated in 5 U.S. Code § 6103. These holidays are observed by all federal government agencies, including the Postal Service, as well as many private businesses and organizations.
The frst federal holiday of the year is New Year’s Day, observed on January 1st. This holiday marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated by people all over the world.
The next federal holiday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday in January. This holiday honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader who fought for racial equality and justice.
In February, we observe President’s Day on the third Monday of the month. This holiday is a tribute to all U.S. presidents, past and present, and is celebrated with various events and activities across the country.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a time to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is marked by parades, memorials, and other events to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is a newer federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday recognizes the struggles and experiences of African Americans throughout history and celebrates their freedom.
Independence Day, observed on July 4th, is a national holiday that celebrates the birth of the United States of America. This holiday is marked by fireworks, parades, and other celebrations across the country.
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, is a day to recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers. This holiday is celebrated with picnics, barbeques, and other events that bring people together.
In October, we observe Columbus Day on the second Monday of the month. This holiday recognizes the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas and is celebrated with various events and activities.
The last two federal holidays of the year are Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day. Veterans Day is observed on November 11th and honors all veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in November and is a time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives and to spend time with family and friends.
Federal holidays are an important part of American culture and provide opportunities for people to come together, celebrate, and honor important events and people in our history. These holidays are observed by federal government agencies as well as many private businesses and organizations. With a total of 11 federal holidays, there is always something to look forward to throughout the year.
Number of Federal Holidays
According to 5 U.S. Code § 6103, there are a total of 11 federal holidays recognized by the federal government. These holidays are observed by federal government workers and are paid days off.
The 11 federal holidays are:
1. New Year’s Day – celebrated on January 1st
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – observed on the third Monday in January
3. Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents’ Day) – observed on the third Monday in February
4. Memorial Day – observed on the last Monday in May
5. Independence Day – celebrated on July 4th
6. Labor Day – observed on the firt Monday in September
7. Columbus Day – observed on the second Monday in October
8. Veterans Day – celebrated on November 11th
9. Thanksgiving Day – observed on the fourth Thursday in November
10. Christmas Day – celebrated on December 25th
11. Inauguration Day – observed every fourth year on January 20th, following a U.S. presidential election.
It’s important to note that Inauguration Day is only observed every fourth year and is not considered a federal holiday for federal government employees outside of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Therefore, the total number of federal holidays remains 11.
Number of Federal Holidays
There are 12 federal holidays in the United States. Eleven of these holidays are observed annually, while the twelfth holiday is observed every four years. The annual federal holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
The twelfth federal holiday is Inauguration Day, which is observed every four years on January 20 following a U.S. presidential election. This holiday was designated by Congress for observance in order to mark the beginning of a new presidential term. Inauguration Day is not considered a public holiday for all federal employees, as it falls on a weekday and many federal offices and agencies remain open. However, employees who work in the Washington, D.C. area may be granted an excused absence from work on this day, depending on teir agency’s policies.
It is important to note that federal holidays only apply to federal employees and certain other designated groups, such as banks and post offices. Private employers are not required to observe federal holidays, although many choose to do so as a matter of policy or collective bargaining agreements with their employees. Additionally, some states and localities may recognize additional holidays that are not recognized at the federal level.
List of Holidays in Order
There are sveral federal holidays that are observed in the United States every year. These holidays are recognized by the federal government, and most businesses and government offices are closed on these days. Here is a list of all the federal holidays in order:
1. New Year’s Day (January 1)
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
3. President’s Day (Third Monday in February)
4. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
5. Juneteenth (June 19)
6. Independence Day (July 4)
7. Labor Day (First Monday in September)
8. Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
9. Veterans Day (November 11)
10. Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
11. Christmas Day (December 25)
It’s important to note that some holidays, like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, are always on the same date every year. However, other holidays, like President’s Day and Memorial Day, are observed on a specific Monday in the month, which can vary from year to year. Additionally, Juneteenth was recently added as a federal holiday, and is observed on June 19 each year.
Conclusion
Holidays play a crucial role in our lives. They offer us a chance to take a break from our daily routines and spend quality time with family and friends. Federal holidays, in particular, hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans as they honor significant events and individuals in our nation’s history. These holidays are observed by federal government workers and often coincide with celebrations and traditions across the country. From New Year’s Day to Columbus Day, each holiday brings its unique significance and cultural meaning. Whether we choose to travel, relax, or engage in community events, holidays provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our values and celebrate our shared experiences. So next time a holiday rolls around, take the time to appreciate its significance and enjoy the moment with those closest to you.
