Today, Monday, February 21, 2022, the United States is celebrating President’s Day. This is a federal holiday that is celebrated every year on the third Monday in February. The holiday was originally established in 1885 to recognize President George Washington – the nation’s first president.

President’s Day is now viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. As a federal holiday, many banks and schools join with federal institutions in closing their doors so their workers can enjoy a three-day weekend. SOF News is joining in this effort to celebrate President’s Day 2022 and will return to normal publication on Tuesday.

Image: A poster letting people know that no business will be conducted on Washington’s Birthday. This work is in the public domain.

The United States is celebrating the “Fourth of July – Independence Day” with a 3-day weekend. The tradition of Independence Day goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Since 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

The holiday is observed with speeches, parades, festivities, fireworks, concerts, cookouts, and family gatherings. It is typically a 3 or 4 day work break! The small staff at SOF News is observing the holiday period as well – taking a tiny break in publishing. We will return to publishing our newsletter on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

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Photo: Fireworks explode behind an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during Celebrate America, an Independence Day event for military members and their families at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. (Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Brieana Bolfing)

Happy New Year

A snowy Christmas Eve on December 24, 2002 at Camp Vance (CJSOTF-A), Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. It has been a decade and a half since the initial entry of U.S. Special Forces teams into Afghanistan. U.S. Special Forces and other SOF units are still serving in Afghanistan. Camp Vance was named after Staff Sergeant Gene Arden Vance, of the 19th Special Forces Group who was killed in action May 19, 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom.

(Photo by CW5 Edward Klein, 20th Special Forces Group, December 24, 2002).