Why Do We Have Federal Holidays?

The video explores the history and evolution of federal holidays in the United States. It begins with the first set of holidays established in 1870 for federal workers in Washington DC, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Over the years, additional holidays were added, such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Columbus Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The video also discusses the recent addition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and mentions other proposed holidays that have not yet been adopted.

Which of the following holidays was among the first set of federal holidays established in 1870?

• Thanksgiving

• Veterans Day

• Presidents Day

• Labor Day

What was the original name of Memorial Day when it was added as a federal holiday in 1888?

• Remembrance Day

• Heroes' Day

• Soldiers' Day

• Decoration Day

In which year was Veterans Day officially renamed from Armistice Day?

• 1986

• 1968

• 1954

• 1938

Which holiday was added to the federal calendar in 1968 and later also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day?

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Juneteenth

What is the significance of Juneteenth, the most recent federal holiday?

• It marks the end of the Civil War.

• It honors the birth of the United States.

• It commemorates the day the last slaves learned of their emancipation.

• It celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.