Does the Military Get Columbus Day Off?
Contents
Columbus Day: A Controversial Holiday
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the second Monday of October every year. The holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. However, the holiday has been a topic of controversy in recent years, with many people arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and erases the history of indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Do Military Personnel Get Columbus Day Off?
The short answer is: it depends. While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the military’s holiday policy is more complex.
- Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel do not typically get Columbus Day off, as it is not a mandatory holiday. However, some military bases or commanders may choose to grant leave or allow personnel to work from home on this day.
- Reserve and National Guard: Reserve and National Guard personnel are usually entitled to take Columbus Day off, as it is a federal holiday. However, this may vary depending on their specific unit or commander.
- Veterans: Veterans who are no longer active duty may choose to observe Columbus Day, but it is not a mandatory holiday for them.
How Does the Military’s Holiday Policy Work?
The military’s holiday policy is governed by the Uniformed Services Family and Medical Leave Act (USFMLA) and the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER). Here are some key points to understand:
- Federal Holidays: There are 10 federal holidays observed by the military, including Columbus Day. Federal holidays are typically observed by all federal agencies, including the military.
- Leave and Liberty: Military personnel are entitled to take annual leave (vacation) and liberty (personal time) on federal holidays, including Columbus Day.
- Commander’s Discretion: While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, commanders have the discretion to grant or deny leave or liberty on this day, depending on the needs of the unit.
- Alternative Holidays: Some military bases or units may observe alternative holidays, such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Fall Festival, instead of Columbus Day.
What Do Other Countries Do?
Many countries celebrate the arrival of Columbus on October 12, the actual anniversary of his arrival in the Americas. However, some countries have moved away from celebrating Columbus Day or replaced it with alternative holidays:
- Canada: Canada does not celebrate Columbus Day, instead observing a federal holiday on the second Monday in October called Thanksgiving.
- United Kingdom: The UK does not celebrate Columbus Day, and instead observes a public holiday on the last Monday in August called the Summer Bank Holiday.
- Italy: Italy, where Columbus was born, celebrates La Festa di Cristoforo Colombo on October 12, but it is not a national holiday.
- Brazil: Brazil celebrates the Dia do Descobrimento (Discovery Day) on October 12, but it is not a national holiday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the military’s holiday policy is more complex and may vary depending on the individual’s status and unit. It’s essential to understand the military’s holiday policy and commander’s discretion to make informed decisions about taking leave or liberty on this day. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the controversy surrounding Columbus Day highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the history and culture of indigenous peoples in the Americas.