Federal holidays in the United States are designated by the US Congress, and while there are eleven annual federal holidays, some of these observances shift each year to consistently fall on a Monday. Understanding which holidays are celebrated on Mondays can be useful for planning purposes, especially when considering work schedules, bank closures, and school calendars. This article will clarify which US federal holidays are consistently observed on Mondays.
The concept of Monday federal holidays largely stems from the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. This act was implemented to create more three-day weekends for workers, believing it would boost leisure activities and reduce employee absenteeism. Several holidays were moved from specific dates to designated Mondays. Currently, there are five federal holidays that are celebrated on Mondays:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Celebrated on the third Monday of January, this holiday honors the birthday and legacy of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
- Presidents’ Day (George Washington’s Birthday): Observed on the third Monday in February, this holiday officially commemorates George Washington’s birthday but has evolved to celebrate all US presidents.
- Memorial Day: Always falling on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
- Labor Day: Celebrated on the first Monday in September, Labor Day recognizes the social and economic achievements of American workers.
- Columbus Day: Observed on the second Monday in October, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
These Monday holidays provide predictable long weekends throughout the year, impacting various aspects of American life, from government services to retail operations. While the specific holiday may vary depending on the month, you can be certain that several Mondays throughout the year are designated for federal holiday observance.
For more detailed information and for federal holiday dates beyond the current year, you can refer to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
