Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day in the United States, a federal holiday that honors all military veterans who have served the country. While many services are closed for the day, several remain open for the public. Here’s a simple look at how the day is being observed across the country.
Are banks open or closed on Veterans Day?
Many banks will not be open on Veterans Day. Major institutions such as Bank of America, Truist, CitiBank, JPMorgan Chase, PNC, Capital One, and Wells Fargo will keep their branches closed. However, people can still use ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking services for their basic transactions.
Are major stores and post offices open or closed for the Veterans Day holiday?
Although Veterans Day is a federal holiday, it doesn’t mean everything shuts down. Most retail stores, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Target, will stay open. In fact, many of them are offering special discounts and sales to attract shoppers during the long weekend.
Government offices across the country will remain closed. That includes federal, state, and local departments. Post offices and courts will also not operate today. This means there will be no regular mail delivery. The ongoing government shutdown has also left many federal employees unable to report to work.
Are schools open or closed for the Veterans Day holiday?
Not all schools are closed, though. Some public and private schools have chosen to remain open, while others have given students the day off to mark the holiday.
Stock markets closed or opened?
When it comes to financial markets, the stock market is still running as usual. Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are open, so normal trading is taking place. The US bond market, however, is closed in observance of the holiday.
Veterans Day holds deep historical significance. It originally marked the end of World War I. The fighting stopped on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, even though the official peace treaty was signed months later in 1919. That’s why November 11 has become a day to remember all who have served.
Celebrations are being held across the country to honor veterans. The main Veterans Day National Ceremony takes place each year at Arlington National Cemetery. The annual Veterans Day Parade, organized by the United War Veterans Council, will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time this year, with around 20,000 service members expected to participate.
From parades and ceremonies to quiet moments of reflection, Veterans Day continues to remind Americans of the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces.