OBSERVANCES
National Holidays and Special Dates
National Freedom Day
February 1
First observed on February 1, 1949
The purpose of this holiday is to promote good feelings, harmony, and equal opportunity among all citizens and to remember that the United States is a nation dedicated to the ideal of freedom.
Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, fought to have a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. When Wright got his freedom, he went on to become a successful businessman and community leader in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Major Wright chose February 1 as National Freedom Day because it was the day in 1865 that President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
This amendment, an important change to our written law, outlawed slavery in the United States. Wright gathered national and local leaders together to write a bill declaring February 1 "National Freedom Day" and President Harry Truman signed the bill on June 30, 1948 making it official.
Source: America's Library: National Freedom Day (http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/pa/free_1)
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
February 12
First observed in 1866
Abraham Lincoln, perhaps our greatest President, gives us insight into the qualities desired in leadership. Clearly Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of all time. From his humble log cabin beginnings to his martyrdom, his intellect, determination, humility, wit, and savvy is recognized. His determination to keep the nation together during the Civil War, his prowess in stopping the bloodshed, and most importantly his Emancipation Proclamation are hallmarks of his shortened presidency.
His birthday was first recognized in 1866, less than a year after his death. At a ceremony in the Capital building, President Andrew Johnson, his cabinet, and many other dignitaries were present. It wasn't until 1892, however, that it was officially recognized and that was in the state of Illinois only. Other states soon followed suit, but it wasn't until Lincoln's one-hundredth birthday that Congress officially sanctioned the holiday.
Today, while it is still recognized, its formal observance has been combined with George Washington's Birthday.
Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12th, is also known as Union Defenders' Day.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Lincoln's Birthday (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/lincoln_s_birthday.html)
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.
By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.
In 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.
Apparently, while the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, perhaps in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "President's Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.
Source: Patriotism.org: President's Day (http://www.patriotism.org/presidents_day/)
George Washington's Birthday
February 22 (or third Monday of February)
First observed on February 11, 1782
While there are a number of lingering questions about Washington, he was known as a man of integrity, possessing great leadership skills, and a true patriot. His role as commander of the Continental Army is legendary. He was later the presiding officer at the Continental convention of 1787 and was unanimously selected to inaugurate a new county's democracy as its first President. He also established the Constitution of the United States as a true guiding light for the new nation.
As early as 1775, his birthday was celebrated by some. Initial birthday celebrations were on February 11 because the Gregorian calendar wasn't adopted by the colonies in 1732, the year of his birth. It wasn't until 1796 that February 22 was officially adopted as the celebratory day.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Washington's Birthday (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/washington_s_birthday.html)
Phil Sheridan's Birthday
March 6
Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan, the namesake of Camp No. 4, was born on March 6, 1831. For further information on his life, please read Gen. Sheridan's Biography.
St. Patrick's Day
March 17
First observed in 1737
Much of the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, has been lost or confused in history. His birthplace, birthdate, and death date are components of much conjecture. Suffice it to say, he was not born in Ireland and he lived from any number of different dates between as early as 373 and as late as 492. From these dates he could have lived only a little more than 60 years to more than 120 years. His day of observance is likely neither his birth date nor death date, but rather a date selected for convenience.
At the age of 16, he was sold into slavery. He worked as a shepherd for six years before receiving a dream of his escape. From this spiritual awakening, he began a life long journey of divination, leadership, and ecclesiastic responsibility as a Deacon, Priest, and Bishop of Ireland.
Not admitting to any miracles in his own writings, many miracles have been attributed to him. In particular a miraculous exploit at Tara against the Druids, numerous healings of the sick, raising people from the dead, and the driving out of snakes from the land are believed to have been performed by him. Other miracles were likened unto the Mosiac miracles against the wicked priests. St. Patrick also received many visions to help his missionary cause.
The shamrock is a representation that St. Patrick employed to try to teach the trinity to converts. Each of the leaves represented a member of the Trinity, either the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost, while the stem represented the Godhead from which they proceeded. Likewise, the color green is the color of a shamrock hence the popular practice of wearing green today.
The history of St. Patrick's Day is related here in honor of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan's Irish roots and for the Army of the Potomac's Irish Brigade.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: St. Patrick's Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/st._patrick_s_day.html)
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday
April 13
First observed in 1830
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia. He attended The College of William & Mary and then became a prominent farmer. When he was 26 years old, he began his forty-year career as a politician. He is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence and for his contributions to this young country.
Jefferson's birthday is only celebrated in several states but his contributions have been recognized with his memorial building in Washington DC.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Thomas Jefferson's Birthday (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/jefferson_s_birthday.html)
Patriot's Day
Third Monday in April
First observed in 1894
Patriot's Day commemorates the battle of Lexington and Concord, which were fought on April 19, 1775. Part of the history of this famous revolutionary battle was the midnight ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes. The Sons of the American Revolution in Massachusetts were largely responsible for the official recognition of the event.
Today only a few states recognize the holiday, however, its celebrations are known by many. Besides several reenactments of the famous midnight ride, there are other festivities including professional baseball games and the running of the Boston Marathon.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Patiot's Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/patriot_s_day.html)
Loyalty Day
May 1
First observed in the 1930s
The Maypole celebration apart, May Day is also important to all average Americans for yet another reason. Americans today celebrate May Day as Loyalty Day. It is a day of parades of veterans, drum and bugle corps, Boy Scouts, visits to national shrines and doing things in the honor of the patriots. Schools, churches, fraternal societies and different organizations come alive to sponsor these events. The motto is to instill the zeal to 'remain loyal to America', especially among children and the youth. It is a day meant for making everyone in America feel proud of his or her country.
Though the exact beginning of the date of observance is not known, the concept stemmed in the early 1930s. The idea to celebrate May Day as Loyalty Day came about as a counteractive bid against the Communist May Day exhibitions in the United States. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars felt that a challenge must be given to what they considered as the 'disruptive forces of the communism'. They believed that the loyalty of Americans to American ideals had to be asserted in order to prevent the growth of communism in America. So, in the early 1930s they began urging war veterans to organize parades and ceremonies. Other patriotic organizations also joined. With the help of speaker's bureaus and an extensive letter-writing campaign, celebrations on the theme of loyalty to America took hold. This was aided by patriotic plays, oratory contests on national issues, and tours to national shrines. Schools, churches, labor unions, fraternal societies and other groups sponsored these events.
While the concept came into being early in the 1930s, it took until 1949 to officially proclaim the observance of Loyalty Day. Forty-nine states and territorial governors gave their support, thanks to the efforts of Senator Karl Mundt of North Dakota and Representative James E. Van Zandt of Pennsylvania. In May 1, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made it a day of national observance.
In 1932, some patriotic organizations were encouraged by the Loyalty Day concept and wanted to do something more to inspire loyalty to the nation. This gave birth to the concept of Americanism Day, which was to be celebrated on the same day as Loyalty Day. The first Americanism parade was held in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1932. The day has since merged with Loyalty Day.
Source: The Holiday Spot: Loyalty Day (http://www.theholidayspot.com/mayday/loyalty_day.htm)
Armed Forces Day
Third Saturday in May
First observed in 1947
Armed Forces Day was established to combine the previous independent holidays of each of the branches of the Armed Forces. Its purpose is to honor Americans serving in the five services including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
On this holiday, there are parades and other festive activities sponsored by the military. In addition, many military bases are open to the public for tours of the facilities, ships, planes, and other military assets. Sometimes there are also public demonstrations like parachute jumps, aircraft fly-bys and other events.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Armed Forces Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/armed_forces_day.html)
Memorial Day
May 30 (Federal observance last Monday in May)
First observed on May 5, 1866
Memorial Day was organized shortly following the Civil War with the purpose of honoring deceased soldiers. Later, the holiday took on greater meaning as it began to include the dead from other conflicts and ultimately deceased family members. Today Memorial Day commemorates military dead, familial dead, and ancestral dead through parades, graveside decorations, and even 21 gun salutes in Federal cemeteries.
While several different stories circulate about the origin of Memorial Day, the central New York village of Waterloo has legally established its claim regarding the founding of the holiday. In 1865, Henry Welles, a local pharmacist, proposed a celebration honoring those that fought and died in the Civil War. On May 5, 1866, the flags in Waterloo were flown at half-mast, a parade was organized, and ceremonies where held in all three Waterloo cemeteries. One hundred years later, Waterloo gained the official designation as the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Gen. John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), first called for an official "Memorial Day" in 1868, when he made the following order:
General Order No. 11
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.
By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.
N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General.
Sources:
1) Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Memorial Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/memorial_day.html)
2) SUVCW-Allied Orders of the G.A.R. (http://www.suvcw.org/logan.htm)
Flag Day
June 14
First observed on June 14, 1777
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution for a national flag day. The resolution called for thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen stars representing the thirteen colonies. The stars were to be white in a blue field representing a new constellation.
Since George Washington's first flag in 1776, there have been many designs and modifications. His flag, the Great Union flag, was basically an adaptation of the British naval flag. Washington added the stripes to show separation from Britain but maintained the British emblem. A year and a half later, the British union emblem was replaced by the thirteen stars thus creating the basis for the "stars and stripes" of today.
Betsy Ross is often credited with making the first flag. Indeed she was a fine seamstress and flag maker but her involvement is unclear in historical records. Her legend was first created by her grandson, who claimed her involvement was known as part of family tradition. However, there is no record of her alleged commission by Congress to make a flag in 1776.
For a period of time, as new states joined the union, both new stars and stripes were added. This practice became increasingly impractical as new states were admitted to the union so on April 4, 1818, a new flag resolution was passed setting the thirteen stripes to represent the original colonies and the stars to represent the states. The last two stars were added on July 4, 1959 and 1960 representing the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the United States.
The first national observance of Flag Day was a hundred years after George Washington's display of the first flag. Since that day in 1877, June 14 has been celebrated each year as the national flag day.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Flag Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/flag_day.html)
Independence Day
July 4
First observed on July 4, 1777
July 4, 1776 is the momentous American date when John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. This declaration of sovereignty was a result of many preceding incidences including the Boston Massacre, Townshend Acts, Boston Tea Party, and Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill between the British and the independent minded Americans.
In the beginning of 1776, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet entitled Common Sense encouraging the independence movement. On April 12, North Carolina became the first state to instruct its delegates to move towards independence. Other colonies followed suit helped by the strong encouragement of patriots like James Madison and Patrick Henry. In June, Richard Lee of Virginia offered a resolution to dissolve the political connection with Great Britain but it faced opposition still. Nevertheless, the Continental Congress selected a committee to draft a declaration of independence to support Lee's resolution. The committee consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Jefferson was appointed as author.
When the Continental Congress resumed sessions on July 1st, the Declaration of Independence was complete and a test vote was taken. Nine colonies were in favor of the resolution. On July 2, the official Independence vote was taken and twelve colonies supported the notion with New York abstaining. The Declaration of Independence, as written by Jefferson, was approved by Congress on July 4th, 1777. On that same day, it was printed and signed by John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, and Charles Thomson, secretary. A few days later, New York cast it's vote in favor of the resolution thus making the independence movement unanimous among the thirteen colonies.
On August 2, the Declaration of Independence was signed by Congress with all but seven delegates signing the document. The remaining seven delegates did eventually sign the document as well.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Independence Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/independence_day.html)
Patriot Day
September 11
First observed on September 11, 2002
On September 11, 2001, four commercial airlines were hijacked by Islamic terrorists and members of the Al Queda terrorist network. Each of these airliners was given specific high profile targets in the United States and each airliner was complimented by five or six Al Queda hijackers.
Rather than fill the airplanes with explosives, each flight was selected because of its large fuel tanks and long, transcontinental flight plans departing from the east coast and heading west. The first two airliners hit New York City's World Trade Center towers just as the workday began. As the world watched the first tower burn, the second airliner hit the second tower. Debris and flames were everywhere as civilians raced to escape the disaster and firefighters and police raced towards the towers to try to save more lives. Unbelievably, within a couple of hours, both towers and surrounding structures collapsed like deadly accordions to the ground creating a seven story tall pile of rubble.
The third hijacked aircraft collided into the Pentagon in northern Virginia killing many more civilians and military personnel. Unlike the three others, the fourth aircraft wasn't hijacked until sometime later when the flight was over eastern Ohio. This critical delay in hijacking allowed passengers to gather information (mainly via cellular phone calls) and formulate a plan. With the horrific news of the other three suicide missions, the passengers apparently seized the hijackers ultimately bringing down the plane in a fireball in rural western Pennsylvania. Although we don't really know what happened, one passenger was overheard saying "Let's Roll" just before the plane crashed. These brave passengers possibly saved thousands more of American lives through their selfless, courageous retaliation.
All told, almost 3,000 innocent people, from over sixty different nations, of all colors, creeds, and religions, were killed. This unexpected attack by a clandestine enemy is the worst "wartime" attack on American soil in history, even more so than Pearl Harbor. In memory of the brave firefighters, police officers, office workers, rescue workers, airline employees, and passengers, President George W. Bush signed this holiday into the public record on December 18, 2001.
In connection with the signing of this legislation, Americans are encouraged to fly their flags at half-mast and engage in a moment of silence. We should also remember the survivors of this attack, not only those who were present but also the family and friends of those lost.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Patriot Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/patriot_day.html)
Citizenship Day
September 17
First observed on September 17, 1952
The purpose of this holiday is to honor both, native-born and naturalized foreign-born citizens. In 1939, Randolph Hearst gave the day national prominence through his chain of daily newspapers when a movement to recognize new citizens begun.
In 1940, Congress designated the third Sunday in May as "I am an American Day". Many cities continue to observe this holiday. On February 29, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill establishing September 17 as Citizenship Day, replacing the May observance and moving the date to the one on which the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787. The intent of the bill was to give recognition to those who had become American Citizens during the preceding year. The celebrations include pageantry and speeches to impress Americans with the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
Citizenship Day focuses on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, both native-born and naturalized. The choice of September 17 for this observance commemorates the events of September 17, 1787 when the United States Constitution was signed by delegates from 12 states at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This day celebrates the Supreme Law of the Land as the oldest working Constitution in the world.
Source: Patriotism.org: Citizenship Day (http://www.patriotism.org/citizenship/index.html)
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Third Friday of September
Until July 18, 1979, no commemoration was held to honor America's POW/MIAs, those returned and those still missing and unaccounted for from our nation's wars. That first year, resolutions were passed in the Congress and the national ceremony was held at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The Missing Man formation was flown by the 1st Tactical Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia. The Veterans Administration published a poster including only the letters "POW/MIA" and that format was continued until 1982, when a black and white drawing of a POW in harsh captivity was used to convey the urgency of situation and the priority that President Ronald Reagan assigned to achieving the fullest possible accounting for Americans still missing from the Vietnam War.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day legislation was introduced yearly, until 1995 when it was deemed by Congress that legislation designating special commemorative days would no longer be considered by Congress. The President now signs a proclamation each year. In the early years, the date was routinely set in close proximity to the League's annual meetings. In the mid-1980's, the American Ex-POWs decided that they wished to see the date established as April 9th, the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured. As a result, legislation urged by the American Ex-POWs was passed covering two years, July 20, 1984 and April 9, 1985, as the commemoration dates.
The 1984 National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony was held at the White House, hosted by President Ronald Reagan. At that most impressive ceremony, the Reagan Administration balanced the focus to honor all returned POWs and renew national commitment to accounting as fully as possible for those still missing. Perhaps the most impressive Missing Man formation ever flown was that year, up the Ellipse and over the White House. Unfortunately, the 1985 ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather, a concern that had been expressed when the April 9th date was proposed.
Subsequently, in an effort to accommodate all returned POWs and all Americans still missing and unaccounted for from all wars, the National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September, a date not associated with any particular war and not in conjunction with any organization's national convention. Most National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies have been held at the Pentagon. On September 19, 1986, however, the national ceremony was held on the steps on the U.S. Capitol facing the Mall, again concluding with a flight in Missing Man formation.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremonies are now held throughout the nation and around the world on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, at schools, churches, national veteran and civic organizations, police and fire departments, fire stations, etc. The League's POW/MIA flag is flown, and the focus is to ensure that America remembers its responsibility to stand behind those who serve our nation and do everything possible to account for those who do not return.
Source: National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Background (http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/powmiarecogday.html)
Election Day
First Tuesday after the first Monday in November
Election Day is a day on which states hold elections. The elections may be for referendums, local, state, or national office. While elections may occur on other days, it is tradition to hold at least national elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Be sure to exercise your right to VOTE!
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Election Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/election_day.html)
Veterans Day
November 11
First observed on November 11, 1919
Originally called Armistice Day, it is a day to honor war and military veterans. It originally commemorated the German signing of an armistice to end World War I. Despite the United State's short involvement in the war, over 116,000 soldiers were killed. On October 4, 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II appealed to President Woodrow Wilson for an armistice to end the war. As part of the truce, Wilson also wanted Wilhelm to abdicate his throne and replace the German government with a democracy. Over the next few days, the allies sided with Wilson resulting in a truce. On November 9, 1918, Wilhelm fled Germany and on November 11, the armistice was signed by the allies and new German government.
Tombs of unknown soldiers were erected by France, Britain, and the United States to recognize the unselfish service and unheralded bravery of our soldiers. In France the grave is beneath the Arc de Triomphe, in Britain in Westminster Abbey, and in the United States in Arlington cemetery.
After World War II, a movement began to change the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. It was signed into law by Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 1, 1954.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Veteran's Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/veteran_s_day.html)
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November
First observed in 1621
The first Thanksgiving was observed in 1621 by a group English settlers. Rather than suffer persecution for their religious beliefs, a small group of people escaped to Holland where they lived for twelve years. While in exile, they decided to immigrate to the new land. In July of 1620, forty-six "Saints" started their journey to America. They stopped in their native land to pick up other English emigrants before embarking on their long journey aboard the Mayflower. On November 11, 1621, they arrived and settled an area of present day Massachusetts in an abandoned Indian village called Patuxet. The village had been abandoned three years earlier because of plague.
Their late arrival, harsh winter, and lack of food caused great hardship. Squanto, a previous inhabitant of Patuxet and former slave in Spain, quickly befriended them and lived with them until his death. His knowledge of agriculture, hunting, and construction was a Godsend to these humble people. The following November, they celebrated a Thanksgiving for their arrival and bounty in the new land. Other local native Americans, the Wampanoags, joined in the festivities by bringing additional food and playing games with the settlers.
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first.
Thanksgiving was erratically recognized until 1827 when Sarah Joseph Hale started a campaign to make it a national holiday. She was the editor of the Boston's Ladies Magazine at the time. Finally at her persistence, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in on October 3, 1863. He set the date as the last Thursday in November.
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Thanksgiving Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/thanksgiving_day.html)
Phil Sheridan Camp No. 4 Founded
December 4
On December 4, 1897, the Phil Sheridan Camp 4, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) was founded in San José, California. It was been in continuous existence since that date, and is the oldest active Camp in the Department of California and Pacific. The Camp was closely associated with, and likely named by, the Phil Sheridan Post 7, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), also of San José.
Bill of Rights Day
December 15
First observed on December 15, 1941
This day was signed into practice by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on December 15, 1941, one hundred and fifty years after the actual signing of the Bill of Rights by our forefathers. Ironically, he proclaimed the holiday just one week after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor initiating the United States' involvement in World War II where freedom issues were at the core of wartime dogma.
The Bill of Rights was important in the founding of the United States because of the depravity experienced by many of the immigrants. While the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787, it wasn't until two years later that the ten Bill of Rights were incorporated into the governing document.
The ten Bill of Rights are summarized as:
- Freedom of religion
- The right to bear arms
- Consent to house soldiers
- No unreasonable searches or seizures
- No self incrimination, due process
- Jury trial for all, public defense
- In common law, right of jury trial
- No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment
- Constitution cannot deny rights of others
- Governmental power default to the states
Source: Holiday Origins for American Holidays: Bill of Rights Day (http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/bill_of_rights_day.html)
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