As of the date of this answer (6/25/09) there is no federal or California law that requires an employer to pay for any holiday However, if your employee handbook states that you will receive paid holidays, then by law they must do what they promise. Keep in mind that most handbooks state that unless the holiday falls on a normal work day (lets say you work Monday - Friday), then it isn't covered. This year July 4th is on a weekend, and that would not be covered for most office jobs.
Again refer to your handbook for clarification.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.