These holidays often honor people or events in our American heritage. These holidays are “national” in a legal sense only for federal institutions and in the District of Columbia. Typically, federal offices are closed on these holidays. Each state can decide whether or not to celebrate the holiday. Businesses, schools, and commercial establishments may choose whether or not to close on these days. Since 1971, federal holidays are observed on Mondays except for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. In “The Star-Spangled Banner,” by Percy Moran, Francis Scott Key reaches toward the flag flying over Fort McHenry.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-6200.