American Holidays

There are a number of holidays in the USA which are celebrated every year. Here are some of them. The 1st of January is New Year's Day. People do not go to bed until after midnight on December 31. They like to see “the old year out and the new year in”. Many people give parties on New Year's Eve. Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, is dedicated to those who fought in the War of Independence, in World War I or in World War II. The 4th of July is Independence Day. It is the biggest national holiday in the USA. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England. On the 11th of November there is Veteran's Day. It is I dedicated to those who fell in the two World Wars. Thanksgiving Day is on the fourth Thursday in November. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated their first harvest festival in America and called it Thanksgiving Day. Since that time it has been celebrated every year. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. People usually stay at home at Christmas time, and spend the day with their families.