Name two national U.S. holidays.
Here are some national holidays observed in the United States:
- New Year's Day (January 1st): This holiday marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with gatherings, parties, and various traditions.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January): This holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the advancement of racial equality and justice in the United States.
- Presidents' Day (third Monday in February): This holiday originally celebrated the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, but has since been expanded to honor all past presidents.
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May): This holiday is dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have died in military service to the country. It also unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season.
- Independence Day (July 4th): This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which declared the United States' independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and various patriotic activities.
- Labor Day (first Monday in September): This holiday recognizes the contributions and achievements of American workers. It is a day to honor their economic and social contributions to the country.
- Columbus Day (second Monday in October): This holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. It recognizes the impact of European exploration and the subsequent history of the continent.
- Veterans Day (November 11th): This holiday honors all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to express gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November): This holiday is celebrated with a traditional feast, typically including turkey, to give thanks for the blessings of the year and to spend time with family and loved ones.
- Christmas Day (December 25th): This holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians and non-Christians alike. It is a time for exchanging gifts, sharing meals, and coming together with family and friends.
These are some of the national holidays observed in the United States, although some holidays may vary in their observance across different states or regions.