US Federal Holidays And Observances In 2024
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Federal holidays hold a special place in our hearts, as they allow us to gather together and celebrate our nation's history, culture, and values. Through these events, all the people get the chance to honor important personalities, pay our respects, and join in the programs that make our country unique.
Each year government publishes the US federal holidays calendar. In the upcoming year 2024, there are eleven public holidays in total. In this article, we have explored these public holidays in the USA and the various ways in which people celebrate them.
1. New Year’s Day (1st January)
New Year's Day is celebrated on 1st January in the Gregorian calendar, and it's a popular public holiday worldwide. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday, which means people can enjoy a long weekend of celebrations.
On this day people gather with their loved ones, toast to the new year, share some New Year Jokes, and make plans for the year ahead. Many cities have grand celebrations, fireworks, and parades to ring in the new year with a bang.
2. Martin Luther King Day (15th January)
Martin Luther King's Day is a US federal government holidays that is celebrated on 3rd January each year. This is a day to honor his legacy while fighting for human rights and equality.
In many states, this day is also observed as "Human Rights Day" or "Civil Rights Day." To celebrate his contribution and achievements, many communities organize parades, marches, special events, and engage in acts of kindness.
3. Presidents’ Day (19th February)
Presidents' Day officially called Washington's Birthday is an American holiday that honors the life and achievements of George Washington. In 2024, it will fall on the 3rd Monday, 19th February.
On this day people pay tribute to the leaders who have shaped the nation. They also enjoy various activities such as parades, visiting historical places, and educational programs. Additionally, the majority of businesses remain open with varieties of sales and other incentives.
4. Memorial Day (27th May)
Memorial Day is celebrated to remember the US military personnel who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. In 2024, this falls on Monday 27th May.
On this day people show their respect by going to cemeteries, participating in services, and leaving flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers. It is also an event, for close ones to get together and enjoy celebrations, such as barbecues, picnics, and entertainment.
5. Juneteenth (19th June)
Juneteenth is a US public holidays that marks the milestone of slavery abolishment. Since it is observed on 19th June, the name is a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth."
It is the 11th official holiday in the United States and has since been celebrated in different parts of the country every year to honor African-American culture. People can also celebrate this day with family gatherings, prayers, performing religious activities, watching Juneteenth documentaries, and many more.
6. Independence Day (4th July)
One of the USA public holidays includes Independence Day which is celebrated on July 4th. It is celebrated nationally during the Declaration of Independence.
People celebrate this day with family functions, fireworks, barbecues, picnics, concerts, and so on. However, they also take part in parades and programs that are organized related to this day. Overall, it is a day to celebrate patriotism and honor American traditions.
7. Labor Day (2nd September)
In the US, Labor Day is observed in September month on the first Monday. It recognizes the American labor movement and the contributions of workers in America.
Street parades, sports events, and Labor Day Carnivals take place all over the country on this day. It is also considered an important date since it is declared as the unofficial end of summer and in the US many retailers provide discounts and allowances on this week.
8. Columbus Day (14th October)
Christopher Columbus arrived in the United States in 1492, and his arrival is celebrated as Columbus Day. In the upcoming year 2024, this day falls on Monday.
People enjoy the day participating in festivals, parades, and learning programs which help them to analyze the historical importance of Columbus's journey and its effect on the world. Moreover, some communities celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans to American life.
9. Veterans Day (11th November)
In admiring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces this day is observed as the national holiday in the US. It is celebrated yearly on 11th November.
On this Veterans Day, the government officially declared a function where numerous events are held such as poster contests, parades, exhibitions of military, and so on. In addition, people thank the working armies and remember the ones who died during the service.
10. Thanksgiving Day (28th November)
Thanksgiving is a national holiday observed in the United States on the 4th Thursday of November. This day started out as a celebration of gratitude for the harvest and the advantages of the previous year.
People share a meal with family, attend programs of the Church, and watch sports-related events on this day. In addition, it is celebrated with parades in public places. The holiday season officially begins in the United States on this day.
11. Christmas Day (25th December)
Christmas Day also called Christmas is an annual festival celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed each year on 25th December.
Though it is the festival of Christians it is also celebrated by all people of other religions as well. On this joyful day, people exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, share Christmas jokes, organize gatherings with their loved ones, and have a great time.