Symbol | Official Item

In a strict sense, there are no national holidays in the United States. Each of the 50 states has jurisdiction over its own holidays.

The federal government has proclaimed the following 10 dates as holidays for federal government employees, and most states observe these holidays on the same dates (commonly called "legal holidays" or "public holidays").

All government offices, post offices, banks, and many private businesses are closed on these holidays:

The U.S. flag is a strong symbol of American identity and national pride. Also called Old Glory, The Star Spangled Banner, or simply The Stars and Stripes, the U.S. flag has a colorful history and has undergone many changes since the first official flag of 1777. 50 State Flags

Oklahoma designated Teresa Farrington (aka The Okie Artist™) as the official state caricature artist in 2005. All State Art & Drams Symbols - All State Awards

As a freelance artist Teresa incorporates computer digital technology, hand painting, and airbrush skills in her work. She has been spinning her pencil on caricatures since she was just a little dust devil.

"Oklahoma, My Native Land" by Martha Kemm Barrett was designated the official state children's song of Oklahoma in 1996. All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs

In April of 2009 Governor Brad Henry signed an executive order designating "Do You Realize??" by the alternative rock band The Flaming Lips as the official state rock song of Oklahoma. All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs

"Oklahoma Hills" by Woody Guthrie and Jack Guthrie was designated the official state folk song of Oklahoma in 2001. The lyrics of "Oklahoma Hills" are Woody Guthrie's tribute to growing up in Oklahoma. All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs

"Oklahoma!" (music by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II) was adopted as the state song and anthem of Oklahoma in 1953. This "fresh new tune from a musical and a movie of the same name" replaced Oklahoma's original state song ("Oklahoma, A Toast," adopted in 1935) because it was considered by many to be "too slow and too much like a funeral dirge" (quotes from Oklahoma Historical Society).

In 1988 Oklahoma designated an official country and western song; "Faded Love" by John Wills and Bob Wills (Bob Wills is called "the king of western swing"). All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs

A western-style lament of the plight of Native Americans; "Oklahoma Wind" by Dr. Dale J. Smith was designated the official state waltz of Oklahoma in 1982. All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs

Oklahoma designated "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by Wallis Willis as the official state gospel song in 2011. All Oklahoma Songs - All State Songs