5 Most Important Holidays in the US

In this piece, we will take a look at the five most important holidays in the U.S. If you want to take a look at the link between holidays and the economy, then check out 12 Most Important Holidays in the US.

5. Memorial Day

While Veterans Day was initially started to honor U.S. service members who served their country during the first world war, Memorial Day is a much broader holiday that celebrates all members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice in duty. Memorial Day is also older than Veterans Day, and it originally marked the celebration of Americans who were part of the Union Army of the North during the Civil War. The Civil War is the deadliest conflict in American history, and it nearly ripped the country in half after thousands of soldiers and civilians went through unimaginable suffering.

4. Good Friday

Good Friday is another holiday that is central to Christian history. Perhaps the most important Christian holiday when it comes to following the life of Jesus Christ, the holiday marks his painful crucifixion at the hands of the Romans. For several Christians, the holiday is part of a week of remembrance, and as opposed to Christmas which is a joyous and festive occasion, Good Friday is a day of remembrance where Christians reflect on the struggles of Christ against the establishment of the time.

3. Presidents Day

Presidents Day celebrates one of the most important people not only in American but also in world history, George Washington. It is celebrated on the third Monday in Friday, and the holiday commemorates President Washington’s birthday. Washington is a central figure in American history, as it was his tactical resilience and strategic decisions during the eight year long American War of Independence that created the United States of America as we know it today.

2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day signifies the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. in American history, since he is only the third individual after George Washington and Christopher Columbus to have a federal holiday celebrated in his name. Dr. King is a central figure in the American Civil Rights movement and he rallied thousands to his cause of ensuring equal rights for all in America. The holiday is typically celebrated on the third Monday of January.

1. New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day marks the start of the year in America in the best way possible, namely by making it a federal holiday for everyone. The stock and bond markets close early on New Year’s Eve if it is on a trading day, and on the last Friday before the weekend if New Year’s eve is on a weekend.

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