The First Oktoberfest
The first Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810. Initially a celebration for the crowned prince’s wedding, it’s grown to become the largest folk festival in the world.
Holidays
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First National Fire Prevention Day Proclamation
On October 9, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Day. Fire Prevention Day is held in October to commemorate and remind us of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
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Thanksgiving Day Proclamations
On October 3, 1789 and 1863, two sitting presidents called on Americans to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving in November.
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First U.S. Labor Day Parade
On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day parade in the United States was held in New York City. A little over a decade later, Labor Day became a Federal holiday.
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Father’s Day
On June 19, 1910, one of the first Father’s Day celebrations was held at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington. It would be another 62 years before it was made a permanent national holiday.
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The First Memorial Day
On May 30, 1868, the first Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, was held in the United States. It’s grown to become a federal holiday dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers.
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Special Occasions Stamps
On April 20, 1987, the USPS issued the set of eight Special Occasions stamps, the first “special” stamp booklet.
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The International Day of Happiness
On March 20, 2013, the United Nations observed the first International Day of Happiness. The day was created through a unanimous UN resolution, recognizing that happiness and well-being are as important to a successful society as economic goals.
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
For centuries, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated on March 17, the date generally considered to be the day St. Patrick died in the year 461. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations date back to the 9th or 10th century, but the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in North America in the 1600s!
