New Year's Day -- January 1, 2016
The celebration of the New Year has become a popular celebration of our freedoms and liberties in America. The festivities of this holiday begin the night before New Year’s Day, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year.
Martin Luther King Day – January 19, 2015
A visionary for the people of America - the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., an African-American clergyman, is considered a great American because of his tireless efforts to win civil rights for all people through nonviolent means. Since his assassination in 1968, memorial services have marked his birthday on January 15. In 1986, that day was replaced by the third Monday of January, which was declared a national holiday.
Presidents' Day – February 16, 2015
Initially celebrated as the birthday of George Washington, hero of the Revolutionary War and first president of the United States, President’s Day is a national holiday. In addition, the February 12 birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the president during the Civil War, was a holiday in most states. The two days have been joined, and the holiday has been expanded to embrace all past presidents.
Memorial Day – May 25, 2015
On Memorial Day – we honor those who have lost their lives during wartime. Although it originated in the aftermath of the Civil War, it has become a day on which the dead of all wars, and the dead generally, are remembered in special programs held in cemeteries, churches, and other public meeting places
The Fourth of July / Independence Day -- July 4, 2015
On the 4th of July, we honor our nation's birthday -- the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. Patriotism in America is alive on this day with the flying of the American flag.
Flag Day – June 14, 2015
In the United States Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. The United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on this date; Congress adopted "the American continental army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775. Many cities and towns across America host parades and celebrations in honor of Flag Day.
Labor Day – September 7, 2015
On Labor Day, our nation honors our working people with parades, large gatherings and a tribute salute to the end of summer and vacation season.
Patriot Day -- September 11, 2015
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day" . . . in honor of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On this day, the President calls upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, the President calls upon all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Columbus Day – October 12, 2015
Explorer Christopher Columbus landed in the New World on October 12, 1492 – this day is a tribute to the discovery of the lands that we as Americans call home.
Veterans Day -- November 11, 2015
Veteran’s Day was originally called Armistice Day to pay tribute to Americans who have served in War for the United States of America. This is a day when Veterans' organizations hold parades, and the president customarily places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Thanksgiving Day – November 26, 2015
Thanksgiving day is a day of feast and to give thanks .. .not only because so many Americans have found prosperity but also because the Pilgrims' sacrifices for their freedom still captivate the imagination.