Thanksgiving became an official American holiday in 1789 when President George Washington issued a decree recommending a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. Washington's proclamation emphasized gratitude for the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the establishment of the U.S. Constitution, and the blessings of civil and religious liberty. The holiday's date varied until President Abraham Lincoln set it as the last Thursday in November in 1863, a tradition largely maintained since, except for a brief change by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939.
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is traditionally seen as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, but its history is more complex, involving themes of national unity and racial exclusion. The holiday's origins are debated, with historians emphasizing the need to understand its true history, including the subsequent conflict and near destruction of the Wampanoag people. Thanksgiving became a national holiday during the Civil War, promoted by Sarah Josepha Hale as a unifying event, though it historically excluded many minority groups. Indigenous communities now observe a National Day of Mourning to highlight these overlooked narratives.
The debate over whether the day after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday continues, as the Chiefs pull off a Super Bowl win in the last play of the game, and Super Bowl LVIII may see record viewership thanks to Taylor Swift. Additionally, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024 induction nominees have been announced, and a shooting erupts at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, injuring 20.
Millions of Americans are expected to experience the "Super Bowl Flu" on Monday following late-night festivities, with an estimated 16 million predicted to call in sick. Advocates are renewing their push for a national holiday on the day after the Super Bowl, citing the widespread impact on the workforce and students. Economic repercussions from absenteeism and decreased productivity are significant, with recent estimates pegging losses at approximately six billion dollars. This year's phenomenon may reach unprecedented levels, fueled by the fervor of "Taylormania" as Taylor Swift is set to grace the event.
Thousands of people in Australia marked the national day with "Invasion Day" rallies in support of the Indigenous community, calling for the dropping or moving of Australia Day celebrations, which commemorates the establishment of a British penal colony. Many Indigenous Australians reject the holiday as it marks the start of injustices suffered since European colonization. Similar rallies took place in various state capitals, with protesters advocating for a more appropriate day to celebrate the nation. Despite calls to change the date, the governing Labor Party has ruled out such a move, while two statues of colonial figures were vandalized in Melbourne ahead of the holiday.
Thousands of Australians gathered at rallies against Australia Day, a holiday marking the arrival of British colonists in 1788, which has become increasingly contentious due to its association with colonization and dispossession of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, and protests have led to the toppling and defacing of colonial statues. While polls show a majority of Australians want to keep the holiday, there is growing debate over changing the date to a more inclusive one, and addressing Indigenous rights and recognition.
Australia is caught up in Matildas mania as the national soccer team competes in the Women's World Cup. The country is debating the possibility of a national holiday if the team wins, and soccer mania has swept the nation, with millions tuning in to watch the matches. Other sporting codes are making scheduling adjustments to accommodate the Matildas' games, and stadiums are opening up to accommodate the large crowds. Australians are captivated by the team's success and the feeling of belonging on the global stage. As the pressure builds, players are doing their best to stay focused amidst the distractions.
Bastille Day, also known as July 14, is France's national holiday that commemorates key events in French history. It celebrates the French Revolution, which began with the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, symbolizing the people's victory over the monarchy. The day is marked by a military parade down the Champs-Élysées, attended by the president and foreign dignitaries, as well as fireworks, a televised speech by the president, a classical music concert, and the traditional Firemen's Ball held at fire stations across the country.
Latvia declared a national holiday after winning the bronze medal in the IIHF World Championship by defeating the United States 4-3 in overtime. It was the country's first medal in IIHF competition, and the government declared Monday a national holiday to celebrate the victory. Kristians Rubins scored the medal winner just 1:22 into the overtime period. Canada won the gold medal, taking down Germany.
Latvia defeated the United States 4-3 in overtime to win the bronze medal in the IIHF World Championship, marking their first medal in IIHF competition. The Latvian government declared Monday a national holiday to celebrate the historic win. Kristians Rubins scored the game-winning goal in overtime, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Canada won the gold medal, beating Germany in the final.
