As Monday approaches, it’s worth noting that October 13th brings a little less on your to-do list. No need for a mailbox check then.
Monday marks Columbus Day, a holiday recognized by federal agencies and banks.
This includes the U.S. Postal Service, which will not be operational that day and won’t be picking up or delivering mail. Interestingly, the postal service remains unaffected by the current government shutdown.
On the other hand, services like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon will still be operating on Monday.
Your local bank might be closed, and community services, like trash collection and libraries, could also shut their doors for the holiday. It’s a good idea to check in advance for any changes in hours.
In a shift toward recognition of indigenous communities, President Biden declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021. This move reflects a growing trend, with many Americans opting to honor Indigenous Peoples Day over Columbus Day, recognizing the historical violence associated with Christopher Columbus.
Previously known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the holiday was “revived” by President Trump, who accused Democrats of attempting to tarnish Columbus’s reputation.
During his tenure, Trump did not acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day and instead released statements emphasizing a continued celebration of Columbus. In remarks made last week, he stated, “On this Columbus Day, we honor his life with respect and gratitude… Christopher Columbus was a true American hero, and all of our people are forever grateful for his tireless determination.”
According to Pew Research Center, while 30 states have some form of Columbus Day recognized as a paid holiday, only 20 actually offer it as paid time off for state employees.
For next year, Columbus Day will fall on October 12th, with the next federal holidays just around the corner.
