national holidays

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half […]

Indigenous Peoples' Day (also known as Native American Day) is a counter-celebration to Columbus Day, promoting Native American culture and commemorating the history of Native American peoples. The celebration began through the International Indian Treaty Council as a protest against Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples' Day isusually held on the second Monday of October, coinciding with […]

Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints; soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as […]

As we remember those who served, let us pray for peace.On November 11, 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day, in which he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans:The White House, November 11, 1919A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance […]