Peace Officers Memorial Day
On May 15, 1963, the US observed its first Peace Officers Memorial Day. It’s a day that pays tribute to America’s local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty.
Holidays
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First Native American Day
One of the first recorded celebrations of Native American Day was held on May 13, 1916, in New York. Other states adopted similar days later in the year before the first national celebrations were held in 1976. Today Native American Heritage Day is held in November, which is also American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
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First Observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 20, 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday after a decades-long battle.
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NORAD Tracks Santa
On December 24, 1955, NORAD’s predecessor tracked Santa Claus for the first time.
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First National Thanksgiving
On December 18, 1777, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving. The celebration was in reaction to the recent victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
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Holiday Celebrations Series
On October 22, 1996, the USPS issued its first stamp honoring Hanukkah, which was also the first stamp in the Holiday Celebrations Series.
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Happy April Fools’ Day
On April 1, 1700, pranksters in England popularized the annual tradition of playing jokes on each other on April Fools’ Day.
