American Holidays

American holidays USA.gov

https://www.usa.gov/holidays Jul 14, 2023 “The United States recognizes 12 federal holidays. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S. Many government offices and some private businesses close on annual federal holidays. If the holiday falls during the weekend, the government may observe it on a different day. New Year's Day (January 1) | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January) | Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years following a presidential election) | Washington's Birthday (Also known as Presidents Day; third Monday in February) | Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) | Juneteenth National Independence Day (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)” USA.gov

2022 Holiday Schedule

• https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays Dec 10, 2024 "Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103) establishes the public holidays listed in these pages for Federal employees. Please note that most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. For these employees, when a holiday falls on a nonworkday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday)...The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) serves as the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the Federal Government." OPM.Gov

Federal Holidays

• Many government offices close on federal holidays and some private businesses may close as well. If the holiday falls during the weekend, the government may observe it on a different day. Federal employees receive pay and many receive time off for federal holidays. 

Arizona was the last state to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a state holiday; here's what you should know Kenneth Wong and Associated Press

• https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-had-rocky-road-towards-making-martin-luther-king-jr-day-a-state-holiday-heres-what-you-should-know Jan 17, 2022 "PHOENIX - Government offices in Arizona were closed on Jan. 17, 2022 as a result of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday that was established to honor the late civil rights icon. However, Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn't always a state holiday for Arizona, and the state even attracted some level of controversy for its handling of the issue. Here's what you should know." FOX 10 Phoenix

George Washington's Birthday The Center for Legislative Archives

• https://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/washington Dec 27, 2023 "Federal holidays apply only to the federal government and the District of Columbia; Congress has never declared a national holiday binding in all states and each state decides its own legal holidays. George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the then-used Julian calendar. In 1752, however, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar which moved Washington's birthday a year and 11 days to February 22, 1732." National Archives

Federal Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)

• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)

• Washington's Birthday (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)

*Some people get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused. On Memorial Day, America honors those who died while serving in the military. On Veterans Day, the country celebrates everyone who has served in the military. 

Commonly Celebrated Holidays and Observances

Some holidays honor specific groups and events, such as Valentine’s Day, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Flag Day, and Halloween. These are not federal holidays. Some holidays and observances receive presidential proclamations.

Ethnic and Religious Holidays

Various ethnic and religious groups in the United States celebrate days with special meaning to them. Some of these holidays include Easter for Christians, the High Holy Days for Jews, Ramadan for Muslims, Day of Vesak for Buddhists, and Diwali for Hindus.

https://www.usa.gov/life-in-the-us#item-37317 The United States issues paper currency and coins to pay for purchases, taxes, and debts.

Paper Money

Denominations

American paper currency come in seven denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. The United States no longer issues bills in larger denominations, such as $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills. But they are still legal tender and may still be in circulation. All U.S. currency issued since 1861 is valid and redeemable at its full face value.

Design and Security Features of Paper Money

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) manufactures paper money. It also redesigns money, with new appearances and enhanced security features. BEP includes security features to prevent counterfeiting. Purchase commemorative or bulk versions of American currency through the Bureau's Money Store.

Coins

The United States issues several denominations, with the most common being: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, and $1. The U.S. Mint manufactures and circulates coins to pay for goods and services. It also issues collectible and commemorative coins for sale. These coins honor a person, place, or event.

All About the Holidays

• PBS Learning Media has short videos that explain the history and significance behind U.S. holidays. In This Collection: Video (76), Document (41), Media Gallery (1) for Grades PreK-6, 13+ , Resources in Spanish (20)

• Have you ever stopped to wonder why we wear Halloween costumes, celebrate Thanksgiving in November, or choose valentines in February? These familiar traditions have fascinating and sometimes surprising origins. Get to know the history and significance behind these U.S. holidays (and more!) with this new collection of resources. Explore Collection Holidays | Fall Holiday Videos | Winter Holiday Videos | Spring Holiday Videos | Summer Holiday Videos | Word Searches | Holiday Reading | Winter Holidays with PBS KIDS

PBS Learning Media 20 videos

• https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8HWWMcQEGQuIoEfKhfWJ3QJS-UFPDLT Dec 21, 2017  PBS KIDS