Many businesses close early in honor of this observance that falls 2 days before Easter
In Scotland its traditional to sing "Auld Lang Syne" on Hogmanay, this holiday eve
New York City was the first to observe it October 12, 1792
His July 24 birthday is observed in the countries he helped to free, including Peru & Venezuela
A day of remembrance for the dead, All Souls' Day is observed on this date
In 1723, 120 years before Christmas cards, decorated writing paper was sold for lovers to use on this holiday
In 1953 the folks in Emporia, Kansas renamed Armistice Day this; a year later Congress made it official
A bill signed in 1968 made it a federal public holiday on the second Monday in October
Matthew Maguire, a machinist, & Peter J. McGuire, a union founder, are credited with creating this holiday
Ash Wednesday signals the start of this 40-day period of prayer & fasting