Federal Holidays
Titles: Unveiling the Significance of Federal Holidays
What Are Federal Holidays?
Federal holidays, integral to the United States, are designated paid holidays where non-essential government agencies cease operations, granting their employees a day off with pay. This practice extends to the closure of banks, post offices, and schools.
While private organizations often follow suit by providing paid or unpaid time off on federal holidays, it’s crucial to note that this is not a legal mandate. Certain industries, such as healthcare or hospitality, may offer alternative benefits, like premium pay, to accommodate the necessity of remaining operational on holidays.
How Many Federal Holidays Are There?
Presently, the United States recognizes ten federal holidays, each holding national significance. This list is dynamic, subject to evolution, as societal needs and values shift. A recent example is Juneteenth, established in 2021 to commemorate the end of slavery.
List of Federal Holidays (2023):
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
- President’s Day (Third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- 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)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Additionally, Presidential Inauguration Day, occurring every four years on January 20 (or the 21 if the 20 is a Sunday), is a paid federal holiday for employees in the Washington, D.C. area.
What Happens When a Federal Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, government employees still receive a holiday during the standard workweek. The holiday has an “observed” date either immediately before or after the actual holiday, ensuring employees receive their rightful time off.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, is a federal holiday in the U.S. commemorating the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This milestone in the fight for freedom gained official recognition in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed a bill designating June 19 as a federal holiday. The journey to this recognition involved years of advocacy, starting with Texas officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day is acknowledged as a federal holiday, observed on the second Monday of October each year. Traditionally honoring Christopher Columbus’s achievements, some communities have shifted to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing the rich cultures and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.
While many cities and states have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as of President Joe Biden’s declaration on October 11, 2021, the federal government had not officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
What Are National Holidays?
Though often used interchangeably, national holidays, public holidays, and federal holidays differ subtly. Federal holidays pertain to the closure of federal government offices, while national holidays, strictly speaking, don’t exist in the United States. Congress has the authority to designate holidays for federal institutions only, not the entire nation.