Holidays: History of Federal Holidays | HISTORY.com - HISTORY

Holidays

From religious and patriotic observances to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Memorial Day and more.

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 allies overseas.

In the shadow of Hitler's rise to power, Americans observe Memorial Day in 1936 with a sense that another worldwide conflict might be on the horizon. General John Pershing, who led America's forces during WWI, argues that peace should be sought at any cost.

1941's Easter celebrations would be the last before the United States officially entered WWII. It was a time to celebrate peace, even under the specter of global war. This episode of Flashback takes a look at how the U.S. celebrated Easter during a time of conflict.

After serving 15 years as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rocco Vargas struggled to build a civilian life at home. Now, through counseling and personal growth, he works each day on a new mission: to live for those who can't.

Father Emil Kapaun gave his life during the Korean War, but his selfless faith saved and inspired his fellow soldiers. President Obama recognized the Army chaplain with the Medal of Honor in 2013.

Humans have been looking to beat the heat for centuries, trying everything from importing mountains of snow to freezing their underwear.