Around The World – January 2020
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that falls on the third Monday in January. This day celebrates the life of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To honor Dr. King’s memory and his many accomplishments, on this day, Americans come together for a national day of service. This is a day for everyone to give back by volunteering in their community.
Every year, when Jan. 1 rolls around, people start talking about resolutions. A resolution is a decision to do or not to do something. Often, people resolve to try to live a healthier life or save more money or something like that. is is a tradition that dates back more than 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. They celebrated the new year in March, not in January. But at the beginning of their new year, the Babylonians would make promises to their pagan gods. If the Babylonians kept their promises, their (pagan) gods would treat them favorably.
Every four years, Americans cast their votes for a new president. is happens on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The newly elected president does not take once right away, though. at happens on Inauguration Day, which is on Jan. 20.
On Inauguration Day, the president and vice president officially assume their new responsibilities.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for setting up the ceremony, which takes place at the Capitol. After the ceremony, there is usually a parade.