What is the newest federal holiday in the United States?

The newest federal holiday in the United States is Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday became official on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed it into law. Juneteenth marks the day, June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This holiday is an important acknowledgment of African American history and heritage, promoting awareness and education about the struggles for freedom and equality.

In contrast, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day have been federal holidays for much longer. Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776, Thanksgiving has a history dating back to the early 17th century, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983. Therefore, Juneteenth is recognized as the newest addition to the list of federal holidays, reflecting the ongoing journey toward recognizing and celebrating diverse aspects of American history.