President's Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
President's Day is listed as a legal holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands and falls on the third Monday in February. Its territorial status is set out in the local holiday calendar, while its historical roots lie in the U.S. observance of George Washington's birthday.[1][2]
A legal holiday in the territory
The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands lists Presidents' Day among the territory's legal holidays and places it on the third Monday in February. The court says its holiday list follows section 171(a) of the Virgin Islands Code, so the observance is part of the territory's own legal calendar.[1]
The Judicial Branch personnel rules provide paid holiday leave for Judicial Branch employees for officially designated holidays.[2]
The personnel rules also describe a possible administrative-leave arrangement when a holiday falls on Sunday: the Governor may, at discretion, grant leave the following Monday. President's Day is scheduled on a Monday, so that Sunday provision does not create a separate observed date for it.[2]
Origins and meaning
The name used locally is Presidents' Day, while the U.S. federal holiday is officially called Washington's Birthday. The federal observance began as a holiday for George Washington's birthday; Congress later moved its observance to the third Monday in February under the Uniform Monday Holiday Law, effective in 1971.[2][3]
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the locally specific point is its formal place in the territorial legal-holiday schedule. The date and legal status are established, but no distinct Virgin Islands origin story or official local theme is identified.[1]
Observances and practical planning
Residents and visitors should check directly with the service or business they plan to use for schedules.[1][2]
The Superior Court lists the legal holiday. For appointments, filings, or travel connections, confirm hours and operating times with the relevant office or carrier before setting out.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is President's Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
It falls on the third Monday in February in the territory's legal-holiday calendar.[1]
Is it an official public holiday there?
Yes. The Superior Court lists Presidents' Day as a legal holiday under the Virgin Islands Code.[1]
Do all workers get the day off?
The Judicial Branch personnel rules provide paid holiday leave for Judicial Branch employees.[2]
Are banks and ferries open?
Check with your bank and ferry operator for their schedules.[1]
Is there a substitute day if it falls on Sunday?
The personnel rules say the Governor may grant administrative leave on the following Monday when a holiday falls on Sunday. President's Day is scheduled for Monday, so this provision does not ordinarily shift its observance.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for President's Day in U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Holidays- Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
- Judicial Branch Personnel Manual- Judicial Branch of the Virgin Islands
- Presidents' Day- U.S. Government Publishing Office, GovInfo