Most holidays have some flexibility as to when they’re observed, making it easier to use them for a three-day weekend. Veteran’s Day is not one of those holidays, though by a happy calendar accident, it lands on Monday this year and could extend some people’s weekends.
Along with New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Independence Day, Veterans Day is locked to a specific day: Nov. 11. It’s a federal and bank holiday, which always raises questions about what’s open and what’s closed.
Here’s the good news: Retail stores generally keep their doors open (though some small businesses choose to honor those who have served and take the day off). If your to-do list involves visiting a government office or visiting the bank today, however, it can be a lot more complicated.
Here’s a look at who’s open and closed on Veterans Day 2024.
What is Veterans Day?
The holiday is meant to honor those who have died in the country’s service and thank those who have served. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson and became a legal federal holiday in 1938.
There’s a reason we don’t deviate from the Nov. 11 date. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, a cease fire (or armistice) went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany, which signaled the unofficial end of World War I.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
They’re not. Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning most banks will be closed. You can, of course, still make online transfers and use ATM machines to get cash or put money into your account.
Will there be any mail delivery on Veterans Day?
The U.S. Postal Service has the day off, but UPS and FedEx will conduct business as usual, including deliveries for all divisions. In addition, all of their drop-off locations will have normal hours.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and other stock markets remain open. Their next scheduled holiday is Thanksgiving. The bond markets, though, will be closed.
Are government offices open on Veterans Day?
Federal offices will be closed. Similarly, most (but probably not all) city, county and state divisions will have the day off as well.
Which retail and grocery stores are closed on Veterans Day?
Pretty much all of them. While some small businesses could be closed as a show of respect or due to staffing issues, major retailers will be open as usual.