50 Facts About Federal Holidays 2024

The Origins of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays in the United States have a rich history, reflecting the nation's cultural and historical milestones. Let's explore how these holidays came to be and their significance.

1. The history of national holidays in the United States dates back to June 28, 1870, when Congress created national holidays to align with state laws around the District of Columbia and across the Union.

2. The first four federal holidays established in 1870 were New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

3. In 1885, Congress extended the coverage of federal holidays to all federal employees, not just those in the District of Columbia.

4. George Washington’s Birthday became a federal holiday in 1879. Today, it is known as Presidents’ Day and is celebrated on the third Monday in February.

5. Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, was created in 1888. It is observed on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died in military service.

6. Labor Day was established in 1894 to celebrate the contributions and achievements of American workers.

7. Armistice Day was established in 1938 to honor the end of World War I. It was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans.

8. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 provided for uniform annual observances of Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. This act also established Columbus Day to be celebrated on the second Monday in October.

9. Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.

10. Juneteenth National Independence Day, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, was established as a federal holiday in 2021 and is observed on June 19.

The List of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays are days when non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid for the holiday. Here’s a list of the federal holidays in 2024.

11. New Year’s Day (January 1)

12. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)

13. Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February)

14. Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

15. Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)

16. Independence Day (July 4)

17. Labor Day (first Monday in September)

18. Columbus Day (second Monday in October)

19. Veterans Day (November 11)

20. Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)

21. Christmas Day (December 25)

Observance and Impact of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays affect work schedules, public services, and even the economy. Here’s how these holidays are observed and their impact.

22. If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday, respectively.

23. Federal holidays significantly impact work schedules. Non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid for the holiday. Some employees may be required to work during designated holiday hours and receive premium pay.

24. Most federal employees are entitled to paid holiday time off when excused from duty on a designated holiday. They also receive holiday premium pay if required to work during designated holiday hours.

25. Full-time employees on flexible or compressed work schedules are entitled to an "in-lieu-of" holiday when a holiday falls on their nonworkday. Part-time employees do not receive this benefit.

26. New employees whose effective date of appointment is on a Sunday or another day immediately followed by a holiday are entitled to paid holiday time off if they work at least one hour on either the day before or after the holiday.

27. In addition to federal holidays, various states observe additional holidays that reflect their unique history and culture. For example, Nevada observes Nevada Day on October 25, while Maryland observes American Indian Heritage Day on November 29.

28. Federal holidays have significant historical and cultural importance. They often commemorate important events or figures in American history, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which celebrates the civil rights leader’s birthday and contributions to American society.

29. Most federal holidays are also state holidays, and many private businesses and schools observe these holidays as well. This widespread observance reflects the importance of these days in American culture.

30. Federal law also provides for the declaration of other public holidays by the President of the United States. The President may declare additional holidays for specific events or occasions, such as the funerals of former Presidents.

Proposed and Additional Federal Holidays

Over the years, many federal holidays have been proposed, and some have been added to the list. Here’s a look at some of these holidays and their legal basis.

31. Many federal holidays have been proposed over the years, but their implementation is often contentious. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. Day took significant effort to pass and was not officially observed in all 50 states until 2000.

32. Federal holidays are designated by the United States Congress in Title V of the United States Code (5 U.S.C. § 6103). Congress only has authority to create holidays for federal institutions, employees, and the District of Columbia.

33. Each federal holiday reflects a significant aspect of American heritage or commemorates an important event in American history. For instance, Independence Day celebrates the nation’s birth, while Labor Day acknowledges the contributions of American workers.

34. Federal holidays serve as reminders of the milestones in the journey of the nation. They are often celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and other activities that reflect the cultural and historical significance of these days.

35. While federal holidays are legally applicable only to federal employees and institutions, many non-federal institutions, such as banks, businesses, and schools, observe these holidays out of courtesy and custom.

36. In various parts of the country, state and city holidays may be observed concurrently with federal holidays. These additional holidays reflect the unique history and culture of different regions.

37. Federal holidays affect public services such as mail delivery and the conduct of business with federal agencies. These services are often suspended or operate on reduced schedules during federal holidays.

38. Federal holidays can have a significant economic impact. Many businesses experience increased sales during holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day, while others may see reduced activity during holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.

Pay and Work Arrangements on Federal Holidays

Federal employees have specific pay and work arrangements during federal holidays. Here’s how these arrangements work.

39. Full-time employees who are required to work during designated holiday hours receive holiday premium pay. This pay is in addition to their regular rate of basic pay and is designed to compensate them for working on holidays.

40. When two or more holidays fall within the same pay period, full-time employees on flexible work schedules must make arrangements to work extra hours during other regularly scheduled workdays or take annual leave or use credit hours or compensatory time off to fulfill the 80-hour biweekly work requirement.

41. New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year and is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States. It is a day for reflection and celebration as people welcome the new year.

42. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January to honor the civil rights leader’s birthday and contributions to American society. It is a day for service and reflection on civil rights.

43. Presidents’ Day, formerly known as George Washington’s Birthday, is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It honors George Washington, the first President of the United States, and other past presidents.

44. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died in military service. It marks the beginning of summer and is often celebrated with parades and barbecues.

45. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It was established as a federal holiday in 2021 and is observed on June 19.

46. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States.

47. Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of American workers. It marks the end of summer and is often associated with back-to-school activities.

48. Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. It is a day for reflection on exploration and discovery.

49. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 to honor all American veterans. It was originally established as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I and was later expanded to honor veterans of all wars.

50. Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in November to commemorate the harvest season and express gratitude. It is often associated with family gatherings and traditional meals.

The Importance of Federal Holidays in 2024

Federal holidays in 2024 aren't just days off; they reflect America's rich history and culture. From New Year’s Day kicking off the year to Christmas Day wrapping it up, each holiday has its own story and significance. These days honor everything from the contributions of workers on Labor Day to the sacrifices of military personnel on Memorial Day. They also provide a chance for reflection, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or celebration, like Independence Day. Federal holidays impact work schedules, public services, and even the economy. They offer a break from routine and a moment to appreciate the milestones that have shaped the nation. Understanding these holidays helps us appreciate the values and traditions that define American society. So, mark your calendars and enjoy the significance each holiday brings in 2024.