In the United States, federal holidays are designated by Congress and recognized across the country as days when most federal government offices, banks, and schools close in observance. The official federal holidays are:
- New Year’s Day
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Washington’s Birthday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Inauguration Day is also observed every four years following a presidential election.
These holidays honor the nation’s history, culture, and people – celebrating everything from the birth of the nation to the achievements of individuals who shaped its progress. Federal holidays provide time for Americans to commemorate important events and spend time with family, friends, and community.
On each of these special days, bells ring out to mark the occasion under the direction of the U.S. Bell Command, which coordinates bell ringing on national holidays and for nationwide commemorations to create a richer, more stately, and more inclusive soundscape over America.
Cover image: A Green Beret rings a memorial bell each time a name is called from the final manifest to honor those passed during the 1st SFC(A) 48th annual Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Bragg on May 25, 2016. Courtesy: Spc. Jeremie Lee, U.S. Army.*
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
