Section 249. State and municipal officers and employees granted leaves of absence on July fourth in certain cases

Each officer and  employee  of
  the  state  or  of  a  municipal  corporation  or of any other political
  subdivision thereof who was a member of  the  national  guard  or  naval
  militia  or  a  member  of  the  reserve corps at a time when the United
  States was not at war and who has been honorably  discharged  therefrom,
  shall,  in so far as practicable, be entitled to absent himself from his
  duties  or  service,  with  pay,  on   July   fourth   of   each   year.
  Notwithstanding  the  provisions of any general, special or local law or
  the provisions of any city charter, no such officer or employee shall be
  subjected by any person whatever directly or  indirectly  by  reason  of
  such  absence to any loss or diminution of vacation or holiday privilege
  or be prejudiced by reason of such absence with reference  to  promotion
  or  continuance in office or employment or to reappointment to office or
  to re-employment.