Georgia will again observe Confederate Memorial Day and Robert E. Lee’s birthday next year, continuing a Peach State tradition and one followed by only a handful of Southern neighbors.

According to a holiday calendar just released by the state, Lee’s birthday — while actually on Jan. 19 (1807) — will be observed on the day after Thanksgiving. Confederate Memorial Day, which falls on a Sunday next year, will be observed the following Monday, April 27.

They are among the 12 official state holidays in 2015, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (Jan. 19), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and George Washington's Birthday (Feb. 16, but observed on Christmas Eve). On holidays, the Capitol and all state agencies will be closed.

Georgia until 1984 also recognized former Confederate president Jefferson Davis’ Birthday on June 3, but that practice fell by the wayside. State law, however, mandates that the governor commemorate at least one of what have been the state’s three traditional Confederate holidays.

For more about Georgia's history with Confederate holidays, click on our story here.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Derek Dooley wasn't very successful as football coach of the Tennessee Vols. He's hoping for better results in his campaign for U.S. Senate. (File 2012 AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com