National Federal Holidays
The United States government officially designates 11 legal public federal holidays to commemorate pivotal historical events, national achievements, and honored Americans.
Complete List of Federal Holidays
1. New Year's Day (January 1)
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January): Honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. Washington's Birthday / Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February): Honors George Washington and all American presidents.
4. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): A solemn day honoring all members of the US military who died in military service to the nation.
5. Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19): Commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, marking the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free.
6. Independence Day / 4th of July (July 4): Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the birth of the nation.
7. Labor Day (First Monday in September): Honors American workers and their economic contributions.
8. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day (Second Monday in October)
9. Veterans Day (November 11): Honors all military veterans who served honorably in the US armed forces in wartime or peacetime.
10. Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November): A harvest celebration of gratitude dating back to early colonial gatherings.
11. Christmas Day (December 25)
Important Distinction: Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
Civics test questions often test the distinction between these two military observances:
- Memorial Day honors service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and died for their country.
- Veterans Day honors all living and deceased veterans who served in the United States armed forces.