The May 8 holiday is making headlines across the United States. Many Americans are curious about the origin of this new observance and whether it offers a day off work. In this article, we break down the facts, the significance of May 8, and what you can expect from this newly announced holiday.
Recently, President Donald Trump announced new national holidays, including one on May 8. This day, known as Victory Day for World War II, commemorates the end of WWII in Europe when Germany officially surrendered on May 8, 1945. While the holiday is widely observed in Europe as "Victory in Europe Day" or "VE Day," it had not previously been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States.
A major point of confusion is whether the May 8 holiday is a federal holiday, which would typically provide a day off for most American workers. According to USA TODAY's coverage, May 8 is not a federal holiday. The president has proclaimed the day, but this does not automatically grant federal or private sector employees a day off. Federal holidays are established through Congress, not just a presidential declaration. Many Americans will continue to work as usual on May 8.
If you are wondering how the May 8 holiday will impact services like banks, the postal system, or the stock market, you are not alone. According to Fortune's detailed article, banks, government offices, and financial markets will all remain open. Retailers and grocery stores are not planning to close, nor is mail delivery impacted. In short, regular business operations will continue as normal across the country, and there are no mandatory closures.
Victory Day, or VE Day, has a significant presence in Europe. Countries across the continent observe the day with various ceremonies and public acknowledgments of the end of World War II. The United States now recognizes the day as well, but its role is more commemorative than one of rest or public closure. The move aims to highlight America’s critical contribution to the Allied victory, as referenced in both national and international discussions of World War II history.
It’s important to distinguish between a federal holiday and a national observance. While the May 8 holiday has received official recognition, it is not among the 12 federal holidays that grant time off for U.S. government employees. Only acts of Congress can establish a federal holiday. Unless states and private employers choose to adopt May 8 as a paid day off, it remains a day of remembrance rather than a break from work.
The May 8 holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and elevates the U.S. role in global history. However, for now, it does not mean a federal day off. Regular business and government operations will continue as usual, though the significance of the day is likely to grow in public consciousness. To read more about the announcement and official details, check out the USA TODAY report and Fortune's coverage.