Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield federal employees will have a federal holiday on Dec. 24 because of an executive order by President George W. Bush, according to a press release issued Thursday by Fort Stewart's Public Affairs Office.

The holiday will be treated like all other federal holidays, and essential services will remain open as mission requires, the release said. Non-Postal Service employees are excused from duty on Dec. 24, except those who cannot be excused for national security, defense or other essential public needs.

Employees excused from work on Dec. 24 will receive the basic pay they would have received had no executive order been issued.

Employees who were scheduled to take any type of paid leave will not be charged leave on Dec.24. Employees required to work nonovertime hours on Dec. 24 are entitled to holiday premium pay, according to PAO.