State offices take off for Confederate holiday

Published 9:00 am Monday, April 30, 2012

JACKSON (AP) — Mississippi government employees are starting this work week with a holiday honoring the old South.

A state law that that has been on the books for decades designates the final Monday of April as Confederate Memorial Day.

There are usually few — if any — public ceremonies to mark the occasion. But, tens of thousands of government workers get time away from the office.

The holiday does not apply to federal offices.

The Legislature will meet Monday as it begins the final week of 2012 session.

Confederate Memorial Day is recognized on various dates across the South.