List of observances in the United States by presidential proclamation
Encyclopedia
U.S. law provides for the declaration of selected public observances by the President of the United States
as designated by Congress or by the discretion of the President. Generally the President will provide a statement about the purpose and significance of the observance, and call on the people of the United States to observe the day "with appropriate ceremonies and activities". These events are typically to honor or commemorate a public issue or social cause, ethnic group, historic event or noted individual. However, (with several exceptions) there is no requirement that government or business close on these days, and many members of the general public may not be aware that such holidays even exist. Holidays proclaimed in this way may be considered a U.S. "national observance", but it would be improper to refer to them as a "Federal holiday
". Many of these observances designated by Congress are authorized by law under Title 36, U.S. Code
, in which cases the President is under obligation to issue an annual proclamation.
In addition to annual commemorative events, the President may proclaim a day or period designated for mourning or prayer after the death of noted officials including U.S. Presidents and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court or after major tragic events or disasters with serious casualties.
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
as designated by Congress or by the discretion of the President. Generally the President will provide a statement about the purpose and significance of the observance, and call on the people of the United States to observe the day "with appropriate ceremonies and activities". These events are typically to honor or commemorate a public issue or social cause, ethnic group, historic event or noted individual. However, (with several exceptions) there is no requirement that government or business close on these days, and many members of the general public may not be aware that such holidays even exist. Holidays proclaimed in this way may be considered a U.S. "national observance", but it would be improper to refer to them as a "Federal holiday
Federal holiday
In the United States, a federal holiday is a public holiday recognized by the United States federal government. Non-essential federal government offices are closed...
". Many of these observances designated by Congress are authorized by law under Title 36, U.S. Code
Title 36 of the United States Code
Title 36 of the United States Code outlines the role of Patriotic Societies and Observances in the United States Code.*Subtitle I—Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies*Subtitle II—Patriotic and National Organizations...
, in which cases the President is under obligation to issue an annual proclamation.
In addition to annual commemorative events, the President may proclaim a day or period designated for mourning or prayer after the death of noted officials including U.S. Presidents and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court or after major tragic events or disasters with serious casualties.
Special days recognized by presidential proclamation
BOLD indicates public holiday - most government agencies and major businesses closed.- January 16: Religious Freedom DayNational Religious Freedom DayNational Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly's adoption of Thomas Jefferson's landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This vital document became the basis for the separation of church and state, and led to freedom of religion for all...
- 3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday
- 3rd Sunday in January: National Sanctity of Human Life DayNational Sanctity of Human Life DayNational Sanctity of Human Life Day is an observance declared by several U.S. Presidents who opposed abortion.-History:In a January 13, 1984 proclamation, President Ronald Reagan designated January 22, 1984 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The date was chosen to coincide with the...
- various March/April: Education and Sharing DayEducation and Sharing dayEducation and Sharing Day is a day made by the United States Congress in honor of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson the Lubavitcher Rebbe's efforts for education and sharing for Jews and non-Jews alike. During his lifetime the Rabbi opened scores of centers of education called "Chabad Houses"...
(based on Hebrew CalendarHebrew calendarThe Hebrew calendar , or Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used today predominantly for Jewish religious observances. It determines the dates for Jewish holidays and the appropriate public reading of Torah portions, yahrzeits , and daily Psalm reading, among many ceremonial uses...
) - March 25: Greek Independence DayGreek War of IndependenceThe Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between...
- March 31: Cesar Chavez Day
- 2nd Thursday in April: National D.A.R.E. DayDrug Abuse Resistance EducationDrug Abuse Resistance Education, better known as DARE, is an international education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior. D.A.R.E., which has expanded globally since its founding in 1983, is a demand-side drug control strategy of the U.S....
- April 9: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
- April 14: Pan American DayPan American DayPan American Day and Pan American Week in the United States is observed by Presidential proclamation on April 14 and the week thereof.This observance commemorates the First International Conference of American States in 1889-90, which concluded on April 14, 1890, creating the International Union of...
and week - May 1: Loyalty DayLoyalty DayLoyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.- History :...
- May 1: Law Day, U.S.A.Law Day, U.S.A.On May 1 the United States celebrates Law Day, U.S.A.. It is meant to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society.- History :Long before President Dwight D...
- 1st Thursday in May: National Day of PrayerNational Day of PrayerThe National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day...
- 2nd Sunday in May: Mother's DayMother's DayMother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
- 3rd Friday in May: National Defense Transportation DayNational Defense Transportation DayNational Defense Transportation Day is a United States Federal Observance Day observed on the third Friday in May. According to 36 U.S.C. § 120, on National Defense Transportation Day, the president urges "the people of the United States, including labor, management, users, and investors, in all...
and National Transportation Week - May 22: National Maritime DayNational Maritime DayNational Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. The holiday was created by the United States...
- last Monday in May: Memorial DayMemorial DayMemorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War...
- 1st Monday in June: National Child's Day
- June 14: Flag DayFlag Day in the United StatesIn the United States Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777...
and National Flag Week - 3rd Sunday in June: Father's DayFather's DayFather's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June but it is also celebrated widely on other days...
- July 27: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
- last Sunday in July: Parent's Day
- August 16: National Airborne DayNational Airborne DayNational Airborne Day is a day designated by the United States Congress to honor the nation's airborne forces of the Armed Forces. It was created in 2001 by George W...
- August 26: Women's Equality DayWomen's Equality DayWomen's Equality Day is a day proclaimed each year by the United States President to commemorate the giving of the vote to women throughout the country on an equal basis to men....
- weekend before September 11: National Days of Prayer and Remembrance
- September 11: Patriot DayPatriot DayIn the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year, designated in memory of the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Most Americans who were alive during the events refer to the day as "Nine-Eleven ", "September Eleventh", or some variation thereof...
- 3rd Friday in September National POW/MIA Recognition DayNational POW/MIA Recognition DayIn the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action....
- September 17: Citizenship Day and Constitution WeekConstitution WeekConstitution Week is an American observance to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution. The observance runs annually from September 17 to September 23. It was officially enacted on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower from a congressional resolution petitioned by the...
- 4th Monday in September: Family DayFamily DayFamily Day is the name of a public holiday in South Africa, in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island, in the American states of Arizona and Nevada, in Vanuatu, in Vietnam and in the Australian Capital Territory.- Australian Capital Territory...
- last Sunday in September: Gold Star Mother's Day
- 1st Monday in October: Child Health DayChild Health DayChild Health Day is a United States Federal Observance Day observed on the first Monday in October. According to 36 U.S.C. § 105, on Child Health Day the president invites "all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare to unite on Child Health Day in observing exercises that will make...
- October 6: German-American DayGerman-American DayGerman-American Day is a holiday in the United States, observed annually on October 6. The holiday, which celebrates German American heritage, commemorates the date in 1683 when 13 German families from Krefeld near the Rhine landed in Philadelphia. These families subsequently founded Germantown,...
- 2nd Monday in October: Columbus DayColumbus DayMany countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday...
- October 9: Leif Erikson DayLeif Erikson DayLeif Erikson Day is an annual American observance occurring on October 9. It honors Leif Ericson , the Norse explorer who brought the first Europeans known to have set foot in North America....
- October 11: General Pulaski Memorial DayGeneral Pulaski Memorial DayGeneral Pulaski Memorial Day is a United States holiday in honor of General Kazimierz Pułaski , a Polish hero of the American Revolution. This holiday is held every year on October 11 by Presidential Proclamation, to commemorate his death from wounds suffered at the Siege of Savannah on October 9,...
- October 15: White Cane Safety DayWhite Cane Safety Daythumb|upright|A long white cane, the symbol of White Cane Safety DayWhite Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964...
- October 24: United Nations DayUnited Nations DayIn 1947, the United Nations General Assembly declared 24 October, the anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations, as which "shall be devoted to making known to the peoples of the world the aims and achievements of the United Nations and to gaining their support for" its work.In 1971 the...
- November 9: World Freedom Day
- November 11: Veterans DayVeterans DayVeterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
- November 15: America Recycles Day
- 4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving: Native American Heritage DayNative American Heritage DayNative American Heritage Day is a civil holiday observed on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.- National legislative history :President George W. Bush signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca , to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American...
- December 1: World AIDS DayWorld AIDS DayWorld AIDS Day, observed December 1 every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an...
- December 7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- December 10: Human Rights DayHuman Rights DayHuman Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on 10 December.The date was chosen to honor the United NationsGeneral Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , the first global enunciation of human rights...
and Human Rights Week - December 15: Bill of Rights Day
- December 17: Wright Brothers DayWright Brothers DayWright Brothers Day is a United States national observation. It is codified in the US Code, and commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier than air, mechanically propelled airplane, that were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North...
Special weeks recognized by presidential proclamation
- 1st week of February: National Consumer Protection Week
- 1st week of March: Save Your Vision Week
- 3rd week of March: National Poison Prevention WeekNational Poison Prevention WeekNational Poison Prevention Week is observed in the United States the third week of March. The goal of the week is to raise awareness of the risk of being poisoned by household products, medicines, pesticides, plants, bites and stings, food poisoning, and fumes...
- last week of April: National Volunteer Week
- varies in April: Crime Victims' Rights WeekCrime Victims' Rights WeekCrime Victims' Rights Week is an annual commemoration in the United States that promotes victims' rights and services. The week is marked by an award ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in which individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim...
- last week of April: National Park Week
- third week of May: World Trade Week
- third week of May: National Hurricane Preparedness WeekNational Hurricane Preparedness WeekIn 2004, National Hurricane Preparedness Week in the US replaced the previous observance of 'National Hurricane Awareness Week'. Hurricane Preparedness Week is a national effort to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to prepare and take...
- week prior to Memorial Day: National Safe Boating Week
- various in June: National Dairy Goat Awareness Week http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/061788b.htm
- third week of July: Captive Nations WeekCaptive Nations WeekCaptive Nations Week, a week aimed at raising public awareness of the oppression of nations under the control of Communist and other non-democratic governments, began in 1953 and was declared by a Congressional resolution and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959. President...
- varies in September: Minority Enterprise Development Week
- 3rd week of September: National Farm Safety and Health Week
- varies in September: National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week
- week of October 9: Fire Prevention WeekFire Prevention WeekNational Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week in which October 9th falls. In the United States, the first Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge...
- week of 2nd Sunday in October: National School Lunch Week
- week of 3rd Sunday in October: National Forest Products Week
- 3rd week in October: National Character Counts Week
- week prior to Thanksgiving: National Farm-City Week
- week of Thanksgiving: National Family WeekNational Family WeekNational Family Week originated in Canada and takes place the week before Thanksgiving every year. It was proclaimed an official week by the government of Canada in 1985. National Family Week is celebrated throughout the country with special events put on by community organizations...
Special months recognized by presidential proclamation
- January: Mentoring Month http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/21/presidential-proclamation-mentoring-month
- January: Stalking Awareness Month http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/21/presidential-proclamation-stalking-awareness-month
- January: Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/22/presidential-proclamation-national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevent
- February: American Heart MonthAmerican Heart MonthAmerican Heart Month is a month-long United States observance established by 36 U.S.C. § 101.- 2009 Edition :The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating February as American Heart Month; inviting the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions...
- February: Black History MonthBlack History MonthBlack History Month is an observance of the history of the African diaspora in a number of countries outside of Africa. Since 1976, it is observed annually in the United States and Canada in February, while in the United Kingdom it is observed in October...
- March: American Red Cross Month
- March: Women's History MonthWomen's History MonthWomen's History Month is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. March has been set aside as this month in the United Kingdom and in the United States...
- March: Irish-American Heritage MonthIrish-American Heritage MonthIrish-American Heritage Month is a special proclamation issued yearly by the US President or Congress to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States of America. March is the Irish-American Heritage Month due to March 17 being the...
- April: Cancer Control Month
- April: National Donate Life Month
- April: Prevent Child Abuse Month
- April: National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- April: National Financial Literacy Month
- May: Older Americans Month
- May: Jewish American Heritage MonthJewish American Heritage MonthJewish American Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements in and contributions to the United States of America. It is observed annually in the U.S. during the month of May....
- May: Asian Pacific American Heritage MonthAsian Pacific American Heritage MonthAsian Pacific American Heritage Month , officially proclaimed "Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" by President Barack Obama, is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States...
- May: Mental Health Awareness MonthMental Health Awareness MonthMental Health Awareness Month is observed throughout May in the United States.It raises awareness about mental illnesses, such as: depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. It also draws attention to suicide, which is predominately precipitated by some mental illness. As in similar events,...
- May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
- May: National Foster Care Month
- June: Gay and Lesbian Pride MonthGay and Lesbian Pride MonthGay and Lesbian Pride Month is celebrated each year for the month of June. The last Sunday in June is celebrated as Gay Pride Day. On June 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June "Gay & Lesbian Pride Month". In 2009, 2010, and 2011 U.S...
- June: Caribbean-American Heritage Month http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/06/28/approves.shtml http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000019/001954.htm http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060605-6.html
- June: Great Outdoors Month
- June: National Oceans Month
- June: Black Music MonthBlack music monthBlack Music Month takes place in June. President Jimmy Carter, who on June 7, 1979, decreed that June would be the month of black music. For the past 28 years, presidents have announced to Americans that we should celebrate Black Music Month. For each year of his term, President Barack Obama has...
- September: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
- September: National Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- September: National Wilderness Month
- September: National Preparedness MonthNational Preparedness MonthSince its inception in 2004, National Preparedness Month is observed each September in the United States of America. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for...
- September: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=88380
- September 15–October 15: National Hispanic Heritage MonthNational Hispanic Heritage MonthNational Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture....
- October: Italian American Heritage and Culture Month http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/14/presidential-proclamation-italian-american-heritage-and-culture-month
- October: National Breast Cancer Awareness MonthNational Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure...
- October: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- October: National Arts & Humanities MonthNational Arts & Humanities MonthNational Arts & Humanities Month was established in 1993 and is celebrated every October in the United States. It was initiated to encourage Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts and humanities...
- October: National Disability Employment Awareness MonthNational Disability Employment Awareness MonthNational Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for October to raise awareness the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. The month is an extension of "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week"...
- October: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- October: National Energy Awareness Month
- November: Military Family Month
- November: National Hospice Month
- November: National Adoption Month
- November: National Family Caregivers Month
- November: National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
- November: National Diabetes Month
- November: National American Indian Heritage MonthNational American Indian Heritage MonthOn August 3, 1990 President of the United States George H. W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The Bill read in part that “the President has authorized and requested to call upon Federal, State and local Governments, groups and organizations and the...
- December: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
- December: National Critical Infrastructure Protection Month
Defunct observances
The following observances have been mandated or authorized by Congress or the President, but are no longer proclaimed or observed on a regular basis.- June 14 (1982–1992): Baltic Freedom DayBaltic Freedom DayBaltic Freedom Day - 14 June, a name given to the day when Soviet deportations from the Baltic states started. The term Baltic Freedom Day for the first time was mentioned in Ronald Reagan's proclamation number 4948 on 14 June 1982....
- June 25, 1987: National Catfish DayNational Catfish DayNational Catfish Day is a national observance of the United States celebrating "the value of farm-raised catfish." The day was designated as June 25, 1987, by President Ronald Reagan, who issued the Presidential Proclamation after the U.S...
See also
- Holidays of the United States
- Federal holidayFederal holidayIn the United States, a federal holiday is a public holiday recognized by the United States federal government. Non-essential federal government offices are closed...
s - Presidential ProclamationPresidential ProclamationA Presidential Proclamation is a statement issued by a President on a matter of public policy. They are generally defined as, "The act of causing some state matters to be published or made generally known...