The U.S. Department of Education is proud to join together with The History Channel in its efforts to make history come alive to young people all across America. In July of 2003, the Department of Education partnered with The History Channel to create a "History of the Holiday" series to stimulate student interest in our unique American holidays. We hope that students, parents, teachers, and school administrators can use this programming and its related resources to achieve a greater understanding of the origins of our holidays, and our nation.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  "The Making of a Dream" is a retrospective look at Dr. Martin Luther King as he became the most prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement. This 25-minute documentary includes original footage from events in this movement as well as imaginative recreations of turning points in King's own life. With commentary from popular actors, important politicians, and local Memphis residents, this program traces King's life and legacy from the Montgomery Bus Boycott through the creation of a national holiday in his honor. Ordinary Americans of all backgrounds discuss their own compelling reasons why our nation celebrates this popular leader every January and why his memory still inspires us.

  Viewing Guide: http://www.history.com/classroom/
  mlk/mlk_studyguide.doc

  Press release: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/
  2004/01/01162004b.html

• Presidents' Day
  "Presidents' Day: A Day For Us All" is a special presentation devoted to the American Presidency and this important holiday. This 25-minute program offers compelling snapshots of several American Presidents and their invaluable contributions to our nation. The President of the United States embodies and reflects our most cherished American ideals of strength, dedication, determination, work-ethic, integrity, liberty and freedom. When we celebrate the leaders of our republic, we celebrate ourselves. As many Americans take this day off, we need to ponder what is special about American presidents, and why they are worth celebrating. This program provides an opportunity to truly reflect on the meaning and history behind the American Presidency.

  Viewing Guide: http://www.history.com/classroom/
  doc/presidents_day_studyguide.doc

• Labor Day
  "The Story of Labor Day" steps back into the 19th century to retrace the history of this day honoring American workers and their occupations. Featuring interviews with historians and young people, this 22-minute program captures workers on the job as they describe their diverse occupations and the satisfaction their careers provide. Taking students from the guitar factory to an airplane runway, this program demonstrates how the story of American labor is one of determination, strife and pride. Watching this documentary, viewers will broaden their understanding of the importance of Labor Day, and why this holiday is so much more than a day away from work and school.

  Viewing Guide: http://www.history.com/classroom/
  laborday/labor_day_teachers_guide.doc

  Press release: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/
  2004/08/08252004.html

• Veterans Day
  This upcoming program will provide an opportunity for viewers to contemplate the meaning and origin of Veterans Day—the day when Americans remember the sacrifices and contributions of those who have fought and continue to fight to preserve our nation's freedoms. The program explores service, sacrifice, honor and courage as it features interviews with veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This program will air on The History Channel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2004, at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST and PST.

  Viewing Guide: http://www.history.com/classroom/
  guides/Veterans_Day_Viewing_Guide.doc

For more information on these or similar programming, please visit The History Channel's classroom web site: http://www.history.com/classroom/classroom.html