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Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A.
This book discusses the ten federally-recognized holidays in the United States, as well as many celebratory days. Download as an e-book or as individual PDF chapters.

Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. discusses the ten federally-recognized holidays in the United States, as well as many celebratory days such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day that are commonly celebrated. There is also a section addressing four recognition months that are commonly acknowledged in the USA: Black History Month, Women's History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Authors: Deborah J. Short, et al.
Format: Text
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Pages: 166
Size: 8 x 10 in.
GPS Invoice No: G0056-E
Format (s): Book

How to order:
Outside the United States, print copies of the publications in this catalog may be requested by contacting the Public Affairs or Cultural Section of the nearest U.S. Embassy. We cannot guarantee, however, that all publications will be available at every office.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is prohibited from distributing its print materials in the United States by the Smith-Mundt Act.

Table of Contents

New Years EveExpand

In the United States, people begin celebrating the New Year on December 31, New Years Eve. Read about the traditions surrounding this holiday and how many Americans celebrate it.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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Martin Luther King DayExpand

Martin Luther King Day honors the life and legacy of one of the visionary leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and recipient of the 1964 Nobel Prize for Peace. It is celebrated on the third Monday in January.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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President's DayExpand

This federal holiday is formally called "Washington's Birthday" and is celebrated on the third Monday in February. However, it is a common practice to celebrate the birthdays of both Presidents Lincoln and Washington on this day.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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Memorial DayExpand

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the men and women who have died in wars or in the service of their country. It is observed on the fourth Monday in May.

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Independence DayExpand

Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, officially breaking bonds with England and forming a new independent nation, the United States of America.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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Labor DayExpand

Labor Day was established as a holiday for workers, both as a tribute to their contributions to the nation, and as a means of bringing more public awareness to their struggles. It is celebrated on the first Monday of September.

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Columbus DayExpand

Columbus Day is a legal federal holiday that commemorates the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, who sailed west from Spain in 1492 and reached the islands of present day Bahamas. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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Thanksgiving DayExpand

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. People gather with family and friends on the fourth Thursday in November to enjoy a traditional meal and to give thanks for life's many blessings.

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Veterans DayExpand

On this holiday, Americans remember war veterans and the trials and hardships they experienced. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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ChristmasExpand

Christmas is a joyful holiday of Christian origin that is recognized by many people in the United States. It is celebrated on December 25.

Author: Deborah J. Short
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Chinese New YearExpand

Chinese New Year is one of the most important and festive Chinese holidays. More than 2.5 million people of Chinese descent live in the United States and Chinese New Year's celebrations provide an important connection to Chinese culture and heritage.

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Valentine's DayExpand

Valentine's Day is a day for sweethearts. It is the day that you show your friend or loved one that you care. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14.

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Native American Pow-WowsExpand

A Pow-Wow is a large social gathering of Native American tribes and individuals. Every year, hundreds of powwows occur on Native American reservations and in other locations across the nation from March through August.

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Earth Day and Arbor DayExpand

Both Arbor Day and Earth Day focus on the environment. Here we discuss environmental awareness in America. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April and Earth Day is April 22.

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Mother's Day and Father's DayExpand

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and Father's Day is recognized on the third Sunday in June. On these days, American children show their appreciation by treating fathers, mothers, or those who have served as parental figures in their lives, to something special.

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GraduationExpand

Graduation ceremonies celebrate the completion of one part of a person's education. The ceremony marks a transition from one stage in a student's life to another.

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Flag DayExpand

National Flags are not merely symbols of a country; their colors and designs convey past history and future goals. The flag is one of the nations's most powerful and significant symbols, and as such, is celebrated every June 14th in the United States.

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JuneteenthExpand

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration in the nation to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19.

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HalloweenExpand

Halloween orginated, in part, as a celebration connected with evil spirits and the dead. Popular Halloween traditions in the United States include trick-or-treat costumes and decorations for greeting cards and windows. It is celebrated on October 31.

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Birthdays and AnniversariesExpand

Anniversary celebrations are those that commemorate a particular date or past event. Birthdays are also celebrated in a variety of ways in the United States. Read about these two types of celebratory days.

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Black History MonthExpand

Black History Month is celebrated in February. One aim of Black History Month is to expose the harmful effects of racial prejudice; another is to recognize significant contributions made by people with African heritage, including artists, musicians, scientists, political figures, educators, and athletes.

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Women's History MonthExpand

Women's History Month is celebrated in March with special programs and activities in schools, workplaces, and communities. These programs recognize women's achievements in such areas as science, math, politics, arts, and athletics.

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Asian Pacific American Heritage MonthExpand

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated with a congressional bill. It is celebrated in May with community events that involve historical, educational, and cultural activities, and the recognition of famous Asian Americans in such fields as architecture, entertainment, athletics, education, art, and science.

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Hispanic Heritage MonthExpand

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year. Celebrations often include cultural activities and programs with speeches, food, dance, and music that recognize the political, artistic, athletic, and educational achievements of Hispanic Americans.

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