by Washington, D.C. – As the nation prepares to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces this Veterans Day, many Americans are wondering what’s open and closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11. While retail stores and restaurants will remain open, key federal services — including banks and post offices — will observe the holiday with closures across the country.
The History Behind Veterans Day
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the origins of Veterans Day date back to Nov. 11, 1918, marking the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany that ended the fighting in World War I. The truce took effect on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,” symbolizing peace after years of global conflict.
“For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of ‘the war to end all wars,’” the VA explains on its website.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance evolved into Veterans Day to honor all U.S. military veterans — not just those who served in World War I. The federal holiday continues to be celebrated on Nov. 11 every year, regardless of the day of the week, to recognize the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.
What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day
While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning government offices are closed, many businesses will continue normal operations. Here’s what you need to know:
Post Offices and Mail Delivery
All U.S. Post Office locations will be closed on Veterans Day, and mail delivery will be suspended for the day. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
No regular mail or packages will be delivered by USPS on Tuesday due to the federal observance.
Banks
Most major banks, including Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase, will not open their physical branches on Veterans Day. However, ATMs and online banking services will still be available for customer transactions.
Shipping Services
Unlike banks and government offices, UPS and FedEx will continue their regular pickup and delivery schedules.
- UPS: Pickup and delivery services will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 11, though UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations packages may face a one-business-day delay due to the USPS closure. UPS Store locations will remain open.
- FedEx: All major FedEx pickup, delivery, and office locations will be open and operating on Veterans Day.
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How Veterans Day Is Observed
Across the country, communities will host ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence to honor veterans. The VA describes the day as a national “celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
While many enjoy a day off, officials encourage Americans to take time to thank veterans for their service and reflect on their contributions to the nation’s freedom and security.
Will you be attending a local Veterans Day event or parade this year? Share your plans in the comments at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
