Has a Federal Holiday Ever Been Removed- A Look into the Unraveling of Celebrations in the United States
Has a federal holiday ever been removed? This question may seem unusual, but it raises an intriguing aspect of American history and the evolving nature of national observances. While federal holidays are established to honor significant events, figures, or days of remembrance, the idea of removing one raises questions about the fluidity of national commemorations and the shifting values of society. In this article, we will explore whether a federal holiday has ever been removed from the American calendar and the implications of such a decision.
Federal holidays in the United States are designated by Congress and are meant to be permanent, celebrating events that have had a profound impact on the nation’s history and culture. However, the question of whether a federal holiday has ever been removed is not as straightforward as it may seem. While there have been instances where holidays have been added or their observance dates have changed, the removal of a federal holiday is a rare and controversial topic.
One of the most notable cases of a federal holiday being removed was the celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday. Originally established in 1879, Lincoln’s Birthday was a federal holiday that commemorated the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. However, in 1971, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Lincoln’s Birthday was removed from the federal holiday calendar. Instead, the holiday was merged with another federal holiday, President’s Day, which is now observed on the third Monday in February.
The decision to remove Lincoln’s Birthday and merge it with President’s Day was motivated by practical reasons. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act aimed to provide more three-day weekends for workers, and by consolidating holidays, Congress believed it could achieve this goal. However, the removal of Lincoln’s Birthday was met with criticism, as some argued that it diminished the significance of Lincoln’s contributions to the nation.
Another example of a federal holiday that was removed was the celebration of Columbus Day. While Columbus Day was observed as a federal holiday in the United States since 1937, it has faced increasing scrutiny due to the controversial legacy of Christopher Columbus. In 2021, New York City, for instance, announced that it would no longer celebrate Columbus Day and instead observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While this does not constitute the removal of a federal holiday, it highlights the evolving nature of national observances and the potential for change.
The removal of federal holidays is a complex process that involves political, social, and historical considerations. It is not a decision that is taken lightly, as it has the potential to disrupt the fabric of national identity and commemorations. The cases of Lincoln’s Birthday and Columbus Day demonstrate that while federal holidays can be removed or merged, the process is often contentious and reflects the dynamic nature of national values and priorities.
In conclusion, while there have been instances where federal holidays have been removed or merged, such as Lincoln’s Birthday and the potential rebranding of Columbus Day, the process of removing a federal holiday is rare and typically involves significant debate. The removal of a federal holiday can have profound implications for the nation’s collective memory and the way history is remembered and celebrated. As society continues to evolve, the question of whether a federal holiday has ever been removed remains a testament to the fluidity of national observances and the ongoing dialogue about what it means to honor the past.
