Columbus Day is always celebrated on the second Monday in October. This year, it falls on Monday, October 9, 2017. It is celebrated because 525 years ago, Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of finding new land. The day is set aside to honor someone who took the chance and discovered something new. It celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas.
That was more than five centuries ago, and some people remember what they have read in history books and seen on the Discovery channel. Some know they get time off from work and school, and others know they can catch some great sales at the mall.
No matter how you Celebrate The Day, Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States, made a proclamation of Friday, October 6 that Monday, October 9 will be observed as Columbus Day. He called upon the people of this country to celebrate the day with ceremonies and activities. Additionally, he requested that the flag of the United States be displayed on public buildings in honor of the day.
The story in the history books
Columbus was an Italian explorer, and the history books say he discovered the Americas on October 12, 1492. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Columbus Day to be a national holiday in 1937. While many Italian-Americans observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage, it is not widely celebrated by others.
To observe or not to observe
Even though there is a proclamation from the President of the United States, there are some states that do not observe Columbus Day at all. The five states that do not recognize the holiday include Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, South Dakota and Vermont. There are some states that limit their observations. On the other hand, some states go all out with parades and other activities for the entire community.
What's closed?
It might be a three-day weekend for some people, but before you take the day off from work or go to the bank or other business, check first. While not all businesses are closed, some of them are. Some places celebrate Columbus Day as a public holiday. Schools are not required to close, but some of them are closed while others operate as usual. Make sure you check your child's school calendar.
City, state and federal offices are closed. Libraries and some banks are closed. County offices are open. There will be no mail service from the Post Office. Parking at city meters is free just like they are on other holidays.