Is July 6 a Federal Holiday?
When it comes to federal holidays in the United States, many people are aware of the well-known dates such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, there are several lesser-known holidays that are observed on different dates throughout the year. One such date is July 6. But is July 6 a federal holiday? Let’s explore this question further.
Firstly, it is important to note that July 6 is not one of the traditional federal holidays recognized by the United States government. Federal holidays are designated by Congress and are typically observed on fixed dates, such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. While July 6 is not a federal holiday, it is still an important date for various reasons.
One significant event that occurred on July 6 is the birthday of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln’s birthday was once celebrated as a federal holiday, known as Lincoln’s Birthday. However, in 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday to February 12, the actual birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and combined it with Washington’s Birthday to create President’s Day.
Another notable event that took place on July 6 is the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. While this date is more widely recognized on July 4, which is Independence Day, July 6 is still an important milestone in American history. However, it is not a federal holiday.
It is worth mentioning that while July 6 is not a federal holiday, it is observed as a state holiday in some states. For example, in Illinois, Lincoln’s Birthday is celebrated as a state holiday on the third Monday of February, which is close to the actual date of February 12. In this way, the spirit of Lincoln’s birthday is still honored in some states, even if it is not a federal holiday.
In conclusion, July 6 is not a federal holiday in the United States. While it is an important date in American history, particularly in relation to Abraham Lincoln, it is not recognized as a national holiday. However, it is still celebrated in some states as a state holiday, ensuring that the significance of this date is not forgotten.
