Holidays: History of Federal Holidays

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Labor Day 2023

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, under President Grover Cleveland. Today the holiday—celebrated on the first Monday in September—pays tribute to the contributions of American workers and symbolizes the end of summer.

Fourth of July – Independence Day

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

Rosh Hashanah

Celebrated in September or October, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days.

A boy holds the front legs of a goat at a livestock market in Yemen's capital Sanaa on July 14, 2021, as people buy provisions in preparation for the Eid al-Adha holiday celebrations. - Known as the "big" festival, Eid Al-Adha is celebrated each year by Muslims sacrificing various animals according to religious traditions, including cows, camels, goats and sheep.

Eid al-Adha

When Is Eid al-Adha 2023? In the United States, Eid al-Adha 2023 is predicted to begin on the evening of June 28 (depending on sightings of the moon), and will end with the culmination of the Hajj a few days later. The Story of Eid al-Adha In the Quran, Ibrahim has a dream in which […]

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HISTORY of Labor Day: The Pullman Strike

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How a Deadly Railroad Strike Led to the Labor Day Holiday

When the federal government was called in to suppress a railroad workers’ strike, dozens were killed and politicians sought a way to show they still supported workers.

Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks?

The Independence Day tradition dates nearly as far back as the country’s beginning and was proposed by one of the Founding Fathers.

How the First Earth Day Was Born From 1960s Counterculture

On April 22, 1970, a nationwide “teach-in” inspired millions of Americans to care more about the environment.

A soldier holds an American flag at a cemetery.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor U.S. military personnel—but they arose for different reasons.

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History of the Fourth of July

Did you know New York City has the biggest fireworks display in the United States and that three U.S. presidents died on July 4?

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Memorial Day

Take a look at the holiday marking the unofficial beginning of summer and America’s most solemn occasion.

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History of May Day

Historian Yohuru Williams gives a crash course on a riot in Chicago’s Haymarket Square that changed the labor movement in the United States.

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Flashback: Independence Day 1941

As World War II raged in Europe and North Africa, the United States celebrated its Independence Day in July 1941. It was looking increasingly likely that the U.S. would enter the war, and President Franklin Roosevelt delivered an address that equivocated America’s own struggle for freedom in the 1700s with the struggle faced by her […]

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This Day in History

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2001

Holidays

Topics

Labor Day 2023

Fourth of July – Independence Day

Rosh Hashanah

Eid al-Adha

Stories

How a Deadly Railroad Strike Led to the Labor Day Holiday

Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks?

How the First Earth Day Was Born From 1960s Counterculture

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Videos

History of the Fourth of July

Memorial Day

History of May Day

Flashback: Independence Day 1941

This Day in History

First Muslim holiday U.S. postage stamp is issued

This Day In History: 04/22/1970 – The First Earth Day

This Day In History: 02/02/1887 – First Groundhog Day

This Day in History: 05/08/1945 – V-E Day is celebrated in American and Britain

The Julian calendar takes effect for the first time on New Year’s Day

First St. Patrick’s Day parade