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📅 holiday

Workers Memorial Day

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

— days to go

Workers Memorial Day is an international observance that originated in the USA, and the date of 28 April was selected because it was on that day in 1970 that the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was passed. However, while the day is observed in many countries, it is only an official public holiday in Gibraltar. In 2027, Workers Memorial Day falls on Wednesday 28 April. The holiday will be on Friday 28 April in 2028. Workers Memorial Day is named on the pattern of Memorial Day, which honours those killed in war. Many more die in workplace accidents, however, each year than die in armed conflicts. The day is reserved to remember everyone who has been injured or killed in their place or work and became a holiday in Gibraltar in 2012. The most important event on Workers Memorial Day in Gibraltar is the ceremony of laying down wreaths at Alameda Gardens and observing a minute of prayer or silence in honour of workers who have been injured or fell victim to workplace fatalities. There are also media campaigns on and leading up to Workers Memorial Day each year. The ability to prevent workplace accidents through better safety equipment and practices is stressed. The invariable slogan of the holiday each year is “Remember the dead; fight for the living!”

History

Began after the Civil War as 'Decoration Day' when people adorned graves of the fallen with flowers. The first wide observance was May 30, 1868. Expanded after WWI to all wars. Moved to the last Monday in 1971 to create a long weekend.

How It's Celebrated

Visit cemeteries or memorials and place flags/flowers, attend services and parades, fly the flag at half-staff until noon, watch the National Memorial Day Concert, thank living veterans and Gold Star families, and use the weekend for remembrance as well as rest and recreation.

Other Years

2026 Tue
28 Apr
2027 Wed
28 Apr
2028 Fri
28 Apr
2025 Mon
28 Apr
2024 Sun
28 Apr

Countries

GI

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St Joseph's Day

Every 19 March is celebrated as Saint Joseph’s Day in Roman Catholic cantons of the Swiss Confederation. In 2027, St Joseph's Day falls on Friday 19 March. The holiday will be on Sunday 19 March in 2028. However, in recent years, people have paid it less and less mind, and many local businesses in these regions don’t even close on Saint Joseph’s Day like they used to. Interestingly, there are two different religious feast days dedicated to Joseph in Roman Catholicism. Saint Joseph’s Day focuses on his role as the husband of Mary and “step father” of the child Jesus. But on 1 May, Saint Joseph the Worker day focuses on his role as the patron saint of all carpenters. There aren’t many events in areas of Switzerland celebrating Saint Joseph’s Day on 19 March. For those who have the day off, it is often spent relaxing, shopping or getting outdoors in the Spring weather.

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Seward's Day

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