The twelfth day of February (as Grand Army Flag Day, in honor of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln), the last Friday in April (as Arbor Day), the fourth day of May (as Rhode Island Independence Day), the thirteenth day of September (as Commodore John Barry Day), and each of these days in every year, or when any of these days shall fall on Saturday then the day preceding, or on Sunday then the day following, shall be especially observed with appropriate exercises in all the schools of this state; and it shall be the duty of teachers and school officers to make suitable provisions for the proper observance of these days.