Timeline of Commemmorative Celebrations By ajhalling Jul 4, 1776 United States of America declared their independence from Great Britain United States of America declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776 Oct 12, 1792 First celebrated Columbus Day Biography of Christopher Columbus Nov 11, 1919 Veteran's Day Veteran's Day was originally known as Armistice day until Congress changed it to Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954 May 30, 1968 Memorial Day - first celebrated Memorial Day facts for kids Jun 28, 1970 New Year's Day New Year's Day marks the start of the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. Congress declared it a Federal holiday on June 28, 1970. Jan 20, 1986 Martin Luther King, Jr Day - first celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr was an advocate for equal rights
