U.S. Federal Holidays and Public Holidays
U.S. Federal Holiday Definition
There are currently eleven U.S. federal holidays. Most government offices close for Federal holidays. Non-essential employees have the day off. The post office closes on these days. And banks close, too. States and businesses observe some, but not all of these holidays by giving employees the day off. Some, but not all, businesses also recognize many of these holidays with a paid day off for employees. Additionally, there are several public holidays.
Did You Know? The newest U.S. Federal holiday is Juneteenth. While it has been celebrated for many years, the U.S. Congress voted it a federal holiday in 2021. And, Thanksgiving was the first national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln declared it in 1863.
U.S. Federal Holiday Dates
| Holiday: | Date: |
| 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 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Juneteenth | Always June 19 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veteran’s Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
Public Holidays Definition
Many people view public holidays as synonymous to U.S. Federal Holidays. Not all federal holidays are public holidays. Public holidays are those where some of the general public has the day off from work, usually with pay. Federal, state, and usually local government agencies are usually open. Banks, the Post Office, and libraries are often closed, too.
A good example of a public holiday is Veteran’s Day on November 11. While most employers do not give this day off, a moment of silence is held on 11/11 at 11-11 a.m. Another example is Columbus Day, which has gone out of favor in recent years.
Some states also have one or two holidays of their own.
National Holidays
In almost all cases national holidays are neither federal of public. To truly become a “NationaL” day, a presidential proclamation or act of congress is required to make it formal. However, many individuals and groups are creating “National” days.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
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