The Debate on National Holidays: Why the US Should Keep Its Guidelines Intact

The concept of national holidays may seem to be a simple matter of recognizing important dates, but there is a lot more at stake when it comes to calendar changes. The United States, like many countries, has a specific set of holidays that are deemed national. These holidays often have strong cultural, historical, or religious significance. This article delves into the debate surrounding the need for such holidays, specifically addressing the year-end traditions like Halloween, and the more serious considerations of Veterans Day and other national holidays.

Why the United States Needs to Keep Its National Holidays as They Are

From a folkloric and historical perspective, many national holidays have a rich tradition that should be preserved. For example, Halloween, originating as All Hallows Eve, remains a significant cultural celebration, with its roots in ancient Celtic festivals. Changing the date could dilute the cultural significance and create confusion for seasoned traditions.

Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, holds a crucial historical significance. It commemorates the end of World War I and the armistice signed on the eleventh day, eleventh month, eleventh hour. This date is not chosen lightly; it carries a profound weight in marking the end of conflict and the coming of peace. Motions to change this date can be seen as respectful of this solemn day and its historical legacy.

Bankers and Government Workers

Another argument often leveled at maintaining these holidays revolves around the benefits to workers, particularly those in the government and banking sectors. These industries typically enjoy a plethora of extended weekends, which can be a double-edged sword. While extended weekends allow for family time and relaxation, they can also create financial challenges and confusion with respect to work schedules.

Monday holidays, for instance, do not align well with many employment structures, leading to a fragmented distribution of weekends. This can be disruptive for businesses and employees alike. A shift to more controlled and predictable holiday schedules can enhance productivity and reduce scheduling conflicts, making it a prudent measure for employers to consider.

The Case for Making Election Day a National Holiday

While the current national holiday framework must be maintained, a new proposal suggests expanding this framework to include Election Day. Currently, Election Day is a state-level affair, with varying rules and scheduling. Making it a national holiday could significantly boost voter turnout and make the democratic process more accessible. This change would allow more people to participate in the democratic system, potentially leading to more representative and informed decision-making.

A national holiday status for Election Day would require federal legislation and support from key stakeholders. It could serve as a powerful symbol of the importance of democratic participation and help to modernize election systems to better accommodate the needs and expectations of a diverse and increasingly busy electorate.

Conclusion

While national holidays hold significant cultural and historical value, altering these dates can have far-reaching implications. The United States should aim to preserve the traditions and meanings behind key holidays such as Halloween and Veterans Day. At the same time, expanding the holiday framework to include Election Day can enhance democratic engagement and improve the functioning of the electoral system.

It is important to strike a balance between maintaining the rich cultural heritage and providing the flexibility needed to support modern work and life demands. By doing so, we can ensure that our holidays continue to hold their precious place in our society.