Video: U.S. and State Holidays

Let's celebrate! There are many different holidays every year. Ten holidays are national holidays and celebrated by the country.
Here are some national holidays…
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas
There are also state holidays that are only celebrated by specific states.

If you live in Wisconsin, you celebrate Casimir Pulaski Day on March 4th.  Casimir Pulaski was a Polish General who saved George Washington's life.

Californians and Floridians commemorate Susan B. Anthony on February 15th, which was Susan's birthday. Susan B. Anthony fought against slavery and worked hard to fight for women's rights

Hawaiians remember King Kamehameha on June 11th. King Kamehameha was a strong warrior and a great leader for the people of Hawaii before the United States took over the land. Hawaiians place leis on King Kamehameha's statue every June 11th in Honolulu.

Texas was also independent at one point in its history. To remember this, Texans celebrate Texas Independence Day on March 2nd. This holiday commemorates the day Texans signed the document declaring independence from Mexico and becoming the Republic of Texas.

In Utah, Pioneer Day is a state holiday on July 24th. Pioneer Day honors Brigham Young and his settlers on the day they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints celebrate by walking the trail Young did. Others hold pioneer parades.

Pennsylvania started a big tradition that many of us celebrate. February 2nd is Ground Hog Day. In 1866, there was an article about Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This tradition grew over the years and today, people in both America and the world watch to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not to indicate six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

What unique state holiday is celebrated in Alaska? On the last Monday in March, Alaskans remember the Secretary of State, William H. Seward on Seward's Day. Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia, and the Alaska Purchase Treaty was signed on March 30, 1867.

In Florida, Pascua Florida Day is on April 2nd. This is the anniversary of the discovery of Florida in 1513 by Juan Ponce de Leon.

The list of state holidays goes on and on. Which holidays does your state celebrate?