When is President's Day?
In 2026, President's Day falls on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. It is classified here as a paid public holiday.
History of President's Day
President's Day is held on November 17, the birthday of founding President Amata Kabua. It remembers his role in the movement toward self-government and his service as the republic's first President from 1979 until his death in office in 1996.
The date also offers a civic lens on leadership and constitutional government rather than an American-style celebration of several past presidents. In the Marshall Islands' parliamentary system, the President is elected by the Nitijela from among its members and serves as both head of state and head of government.
The official 2026 memo lists Tuesday, November 17.
President's Day specifically commemorates the November 17 birthday of Iroijlaplap Amata Kabua, the republic's founding President, rather than merely honouring the office or combining several presidents as the similarly named United States holiday does. Kabua participated in the movement toward self-government, became the first President when constitutional government began in 1979 and remained in office until his death in 1996. Official commemorations also recognise broader contributions to nation-building.
The President is elected by the Nitijela from among its members and serves as both head of state and head of government within the Marshallese parliamentary system. The 2026 Public Service Commission calendar confirms Tuesday, November 17. Public offices close, while essential services may continue under section 906 and private employers set schedules under applicable workplace rules. Wreath-laying or official messages may occur, but no single programme is guaranteed nationwide.
How President's Day is observed
November 17; Tuesday, November 17 in 2026. President's Day closes public offices under the Public Holidays Act, while essential government work and private-sector schedules follow applicable directions and workplace rules.
Traditions of President's Day
Civic reflection
The day encourages learning about Amata Kabua, the President, Nitijela and parliamentary government. For President's Day, programmes and schedules vary by atoll, institution and organiser, so current local notices remain the practical guide.
Official recognition
Public bodies may mark Amata Kabua's birthday with notices, commemorations or educational programmes. For President's Day, programmes and schedules vary by atoll, institution and organiser, so current local notices remain the practical guide.
Community time
Families use the public closure for visits and shared meals while official programmes honour the country's founding President. For President's Day, programmes and schedules vary by atoll, institution and organiser, so current local notices remain the practical guide.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Marshall Islands official holiday calendar or legislation. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Marshall Islands may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Republic of the Marshall Islands Public Service Commission: 2026 official holiday memos, Republic of the Marshall Islands: Public Holidays Act 1988, Nitijela: important public holidays, Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands: government and nuclear-testing history, Office of the President and Cabinet: President's Day and Amata Kabua.
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