Veterans Day, observed annually on 11 November, significantly alters the rhythm of daily life across the United States.
As a federal holiday, it prompts the suspension of key services including banking and postal operations, while commercial sectors like restaurants and retail adjust differently.
Although many sectors pause to acknowledge the contributions of military personnel, others remain open or even offer exclusive benefits to veterans and active-duty members.
Understanding which services are impacted helps Americans plan their day efficiently, while recognising the day’s historical weight.
Why Veterans Day is fixed on 11 November
The foundation of Veterans Day is steeped in history, marking the date in 1918 when the Allied powers and Germany agreed to cease hostilities during World War I. The armistice took effect at 11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Initially recognised as Armistice Day, it became a federal holiday in 1938.
However, as conflicts extended beyond the First World War, the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 following Congressional approval and President Dwight Eisenhower’s signature.
This change ensured that the holiday honoured all veterans, not only those who served in World War I. Despite varying days of the week, the date never shifts, maintaining its link to the historic moment that inspired its origin.
Post offices and banks close, private delivery carries on
Public sector operations face the most notable changes.
The United States Postal Service ceases all activity on Veterans Day. No residential or business mail deliveries occur, and all post office locations are closed for the full day.
Banks also observe the holiday. Major financial institutions such as Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, Capital One, PNC, and Truist close their physical branches on 11 November.
This closure is standard across federally regulated banks, though customers can still access digital services and ATMs.
While USPS halts operations, private logistics companies continue to operate with limited exceptions. UPS confirms normal pickup and delivery schedules.
However, parcels shipped via UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations may take an extra day to arrive due to reliance on USPS services for final delivery.
All UPS Store locations remain open. FedEx mirrors this approach, maintaining both delivery services and the availability of its FedEx Office branches throughout the day.
Markets stay open but bond trading pauses
Despite the day’s federal recognition, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq continue regular trading schedules. Equities markets operate normally without interruption.
In contrast, bond markets observe the holiday. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association confirms that fixed income trading halts for the day.
Investors and institutions engaging in Treasury and other bond transactions will need to resume activity on the following business day.
Restaurants lead public-facing gestures with deals
While certain government-linked services pause, the commercial landscape adapts differently.
In particular, restaurants across the country use Veterans Day to extend goodwill through promotions targeted at veterans and military personnel.
Chains such as Applebee’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, Red Lobster, Arby’s, Cracker Barrel, and Krispy Kreme offer complimentary meals, beverages, or other perks.
Eligibility for these offers typically requires proof of service, including documentation such as a Veteran ID Card or DD214 discharge papers.
Most participating restaurants apply these promotions to dine-in customers, though availability can vary by location. Verifying participation with individual outlets is advised before planning a visit.
Retail continues uninterrupted amid observance
Grocery stores and general retail businesses remain unaffected by Veterans Day closures.
Chains and independent outlets maintain regular business hours. This ensures that access to food, household goods, and essential supplies is not disrupted.
Retailers often complement the occasion with in-store or online promotions aimed at both veterans and the broader customer base.
However, unlike government operations or logistics firms, the retail sector uses the day to blend commercial activity with civic acknowledgement rather than halting services altogether.
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