DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

District of Columbia

ORIGIN OF NAME: From "Columbia," a name commonly applied to the United States in the late 18th century, ultimately deriving from Christopher Columbus. BECAME US CAPITAL: 1 December 1800. MOTTO: Justitia omnibus (Justice for all). FLAG: The flag, based on George Washington's coat of arms, consists of three red stars above two horizontal red stripes on a white field. OFFICIAL SEAL: In the background, the Potomac River separates the District of Columbia from the Virginia shore, over which the sun is rising. In the foreground, Justice, holding a wreath and a tablet with the word "Constitution," stands beside a statue of George Washington. To her left is the Capitol; to her right, an eagle and various agricultural products. Below is the District motto and the date 1871; above are the words "District of Columbia." BIRD: Wood thrush. FLOWER: American beauty rose. TREE: Scarlet oak. LEGAL HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., 3rd Monday in January; Washington's Birthday, 3rd Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, 4 July; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October; Veterans Day, 11 November; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 25 December. TIME: 7 am EST = noon GMT.