Columbus Day 2009 Federal Buildings and Schools Close

Columbus Day is on Monday, the 12th of October in 2009. In the United States, Columbus Day is always celebrated on the second Monday in October. The United States flag should be displayed on all federal and government buildings.

For the most part, Columbus Day is celebrated as a public holiday in many parts of the United States, but not all states observe Columbus Day in the same manner. Government and state offices and schools will be closed with some exceptions (see below). It would be wise to check local listings before planning anything major.

Mail Delivery - There will be No Mail Delivery on Columbus Day in 2009. In addition, Columbus Day is a U.S. Postal Holiday, and all U.S Post Offices will be closed for business.

Businesses - Most businesses are open and often make a big deal of their Columbus Day Sales. Car dealers, appliance stores, media outlets, etc all have sales flyers and banners announcing their sales. In many cases, these businesses start gearing up the Friday before the holiday to take advantage of a four day weekend.

Other Delivery Services - UPS, Federal Express and other smaller companies will be open. Check first.

Federal Government Holidays in 2009 According to the United States Code:

• New Year’s Day - January 1st
• Martin Luther King’s Birthday - January 19th, the third Monday in January.
• President’s Day - February 16th, the third Monday in February.
• Memorial Day - May 25th, last Monday in May.
• Independence Day - July 4th, celebrated on July 3rd in 2009.
• Labor Day - September 7th, the first Monday in September.
• Columbus Day - October 12th, the second Monday in October.
• Veterans Day - November 11th.
• Thanksgiving Day - November 26th, the fourth Thursday in November.
• Christmas Day - December 25th, always falls on December 25th.

An exception to the rule in 2009, was Inauguration Day, January 20th. Some federal employees got this day off in Washington DC.

State Exceptions
Hawaii does not observe Columbus Day as a legal holiday, but instead celebrates Discoverers' Day. Many state, city and county government
offices and schools are open for business, while federal government offices are closed.
Nevada does not recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday, but it is a day of observance; schools and state, city and county government offices are open.
South Dakota celebrates Native American Day, not Columbus Day.

Sources: wikipedia; leg.state.nv.us; legis.state.sd.us; www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Written by Donna Diegel
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