2015 Federal Holidays

2015 Federal Holidays is a brief overview of all the days that are observed in the United States as federal holidays and observances as was put down by the Federal Law (5 USC 6103).

As per the rules of the country if a federal holiday falls in the weekend or any other non working day, then the holiday is observed on the nearest working day of the week preceding or following. Under general circumstances federal employees work from Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday are normally holidays for the federal employees.

As such if a federal holiday falls on a Saturday as per the date, then it is observed on the preceding Friday; and if such a holiday falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday is declared a federal holiday to observe the occasion. As per the Federal Law, the country of United States observes ten federal holidays in one calendar year as put down by the United States Congress. It is a unique feature to notice that unlike most other countries the United States does not have any National Holiday.

This is because of the fact that the United States Congress can extend its authority to declare only holidays for federal institutions. However, since these federal holidays are linked to the history and traditions of the land most of these holidays are also observed as State holidays although it is not a mandate to do so. This is also applicable in case of financial institutions. Although it is not technically true, yet these federal holidays are often referred to as legal holidays or public holidays since these are observed by most people in the country.

• • New Year’s Day – This is a major social observance in the country and people welcome the New Year amidst a lot of fun and gaiety. A lot of parties and merry making spread festal cheer.

• • Martin Luther King Day – This day is commemorated on the third Monday of the month of January each year to uphold the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., who was an American leader promoting Civic Rights. He was influential in promoting racial equality in the United States. He is renowned for his campaigns that were against the racial discrimination that people had to face in public transports in the older times.

• • Presidents’ Day – This is the day that commemorates the birth anniversary of George Washington, the first President of the United States. As per the official name, this holiday is known as Washington’s Birthday. However, the holiday is widely known by the name of President’s Day or Presidents’ Day since this is the day that also honors all Presidents of the country. Some States also honor other illustrious Presidents of the country like Jefferson, Lincoln etc.

• • Memorial Day – Commemorated on the last Monday of the month of May, this is the day when United States pays tribute to the all those who lost their lives in wars. The day was formerly known as the Decoration Day. People visit cemeteries and memorials to pay homage.

• • Independence Day (observed) – Since the United States Independence Day is on a Saturday, as such, according to the laws of the land, the holiday is observed on the preceding Friday.

• • Independence Day – Independence Day in the United States is commonly called the Fourth of July. This is the day when the country adopted the Declaration of Independence in the year 1776 and established its independence from the rule of Great Britain. The country is also in a celebratory mood on that day and a lot of barbeques, picnics, carnivals, basket ball games and parades are held. Fireworks light up the evening sky in designated areas.

• • Labor Day – The day began as a celebration to honor the contribution of the laboring class and the labor unions in the economy of the country. However, today it is mostly a day of rest for all those who work. This day is commemorated on the first Monday of the month of September.

• • Columbus Day – This day is commemorated on the second Monday of the month of October each year. This day remembers the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America on the 12th day of October in the year 1492. This day was the beginning to the European settlement in the country. This holiday is considered to be a tad controversial by some people who believe that Columbus’ arrival to the United States made the native culture of the country fade away.

• • Veterans Day – This fixed day holiday commemorates the day when in the year 1918 the signing of the armistice took place that brought about an end to the World War I and the hostilities that were at that time taking place between Germany and the Allied Nations. Today people take this day to be an opportunity to thank all war veterans for their contribution for the country.

• • Thanksgiving Day – Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in the month of November, this is the day when people traditionally enjoyed the annual harvests and thanked for the bounty produced. Today the day is marked by feasting with some traditional cooking.

• • Christmas Day – Christmas Day in the United States is a warm affair that is celebrated with family and friends. Homes and other places are decorated, Christmas tree is displayed with all regalia, gifts are exchanged and special meals are cooked.