Page:What to do for Uncle Sam; a first book of citizenship (IA whattodoforuncle00bail).pdf/75



All holidays are alike, you thought. Every one is a day for having a good time, and you never stop to think why the banks are closed on certain holidays and not on others, and why there is a parade on Washington’s Birthday, and none on New Year’s Day.

Ask your Uncle Sam about it. He knows a great deal in regard to our Nation’s holidays. And the reason for this is that he established most of them. After he had finished the great work of founding this Republic of the United States, he decided that he would like to celebrate certain of its important events with great doings on certain days. So he set apart these days as his own holidays, some national, and some state holidays. He closes the public buildings where labor is employed on those dates, and also closes the school doors. He wants boys and girls to be free to play, but he would be very much pleased if they would do something to help him keep his own special holidays. Each one of them is different, he tells us, and gives children an opportunity for a different kind of celebration. Rh