This document lists and provides brief descriptions of several US federal holidays throughout the calendar year. It notes that January 1st celebrates the New Year and marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar. The third Monday in January honors Martin Luther King Jr. and his birthday. Washington's Birthday is observed on the third Monday in February. Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September. Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. Christmas is observed on December 25th.