Unit 18　The Federal Holidays

Objectives

1. To learn about the federal holidays in the U. S.;

2. To understand the origin, symbols, and customs of each holiday;

3. To learn the words and expressions about American holidays and festivals.

The federal government observes the following official holidays: New Year’s Day（January 1st）; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. （3rd Monday in January）; Presidents’ Day（3rd Monday in February）; Memorial Day （Last Monday in May） ; Independence Day　（July 4th）; Labor Day （1st Monday in September） ; Columbus Day （2nd Monday in October） ; Veterans Day （November 11th）; Thanksgiving Day （4th Thursday in November）; Christmas Day （December 25th）. Most federal offices are closed on these days. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. Many employers also give their employees a holiday on these days.