Is Columbus Day a Holiday?

Columbus Day first became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937, and has been observed on the second Monday in October since 1970. In fact, many countries in the New World celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, which happened on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day is generally observed by banks, the US Postal Service, other federal agencies, most state government offices, many businesses, and most school districts. However, many businesses and even some states abstain from observing the holiday.

Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota are the three US states that do not recognize Columbus Day at all. Instead, Hawaii celebrates Discoverers' Day, which commemorates the Polynesian discoverers of Hawaii. And South Dakota celebrates an official state holiday known as Native American Day rather than Columbus Day.

Are you looking for a way to keep track of your employee holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal time off? Then check out our full-featured time & attendance system.

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Manager
Redcort Software Inc.

When Is Labor Day?

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. Even though Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887, it didn't become a federal holiday until 1894 when the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve legislation to make it a national holiday, following the deaths of about 30 workers at the hands of the US military during the Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law less than a week after the end of the strike.

The purpose of Labor Day is to celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers. Ironically, Labor Day has become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States wanting to take advantage of large numbers of potential customers free to shop. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season's Black Friday.

Need to find your next day off? Check our handy business holiday calendar.

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Manager
Redcort Software, Inc.

When Is Memorial Day 2013?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that always occurs on the last Monday in May, which this year is May 27. It's a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It originated after the American Civil War to pay tribute to both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. For many people, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer vacation and Labor Day marks the end of it.

Some people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is set aside to remember the men and women who died while serving. Veterans Day is set aside to celebrate the service of all United States military veterans, both living and dead.

Find the dates of all 2013 federal holidays and other free time and attendance resources on our website.

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Specialist
Redcort Software, Inc.

Is Presidents' Day Real?

On the third Monday of February we honor George Washington by celebrating his birthday. The third Monday places the date somewhere between February 15 and 21, which is sort of ironic because it never actually occurs on Washington's birthday of February 22. Throughout history there have been attempts to combine the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln (whose birthday is celebrated February 12 but not as a federal holiday), and even the office of the Presidency by changing the federal holiday to Presidents' Day. These have all failed, except in the realm of advertising, where "Presidents' Day" is used as an excuse to sell everything from cars to furniture. But only Washington's Birthday is an actual federal holiday.

In 2013, Washington's Birthday on celebrated on Monday, February 18. Looking for other 2013 federal holidays? Check out our 2013 Federal Holiday Calendar.

Jeff Morrow
Redcort Software, Inc.

Is Christmas Eve a Holiday?

Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday, but many private sector businesses close all day or half a day on December 24. For those in retail, it's usually a busy working day as people shop for last minute Christmas gifts. Schools and other educational centers are usually closed, and public transit systems may run reduced services.

This year President Obama is giving federal employees Christmas Eve off. An executive order signed today closes all executive branch departments and agencies except where employees are needed for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. Many past presidents have also given employees a holiday on Christmas Eve.

2013 federal and national holidays

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Specialist
Redcort Software, Inc.

Is the Day After Thanksgiving a Holiday?

Thanksgiving was fixed as the fourth Thursday in November by law in 1941. Since it's a federal holiday, all United States government offices are closed. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, but it's still a day off for many companies and is often the largest shopping day of the year.

If you'd like to know when other upcoming federal and business holidays occur, take a look at our 2013 federal and business holiday calendars.

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Specialist
Redcort Software, Inc.

When Is Veterans Day 2012?

Veterans Day falls on November 11 every year. In 2012, Veterans Day falls on a Sunday so it is observed on Monday, November 12.

November 11 is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice in 1918 which ended World War I and ceased hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany. November 11 was originally known as Armistice Day but was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. Redcort Software wants to honor and thank all military personnel who have served the United States or are currently serving.

If you'd like to know when other upcoming federal holidays occur, take a look at our 2013 federal holiday calendar.

Jeff Morrow
Virtual TimeClock Product Specialist
Redcort Software, Inc.