Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year, and while the federal holiday will see bank and post office closures, most grocery stores, restaurants and retailers will remain open, with some restaurants even offering free meals and discounts for veterans.
The celebration of Veterans Day, a federal holiday, dates back to Nov. 11, 1918, when "temporary cessation of hostilities," or an armistice, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars,'" according to the government agency's website. Veterans Day continues to be observed
on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.
When Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, many states had already begun observing it. In 1954, Congress, with the support of veterans organizations, changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day; President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954, according to History.com.
The purpose of the day is to be a "celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good," the Department of Veterans Affairs says on its website.
Here's what to know about what's open and closed on Veterans Day this year.
Is the post office open on Veterans Day? Will mail be delivered?
No, post offices will be closed on Veterans Day, and mail will not be delivered because it is a federal holiday. The U.S. Postal Service will resume regular operations on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, most branches of national banks such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and CitiBank, among others, will be closed on Nov. 11. It is always a good idea to check with your local bank branch for specific holiday hours.
ATMs and online banking remain available; however, transactions or deposits may not process until the next business day.
Are shipping services, like UPS and FedEx, open on Veterans Day?
UPS pickup and delivery services will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 11, however UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business days' time in transit due to the USPS federal holiday. UPS Store locations will also be open.
FedEx pickup and delivery services will also be available on Nov. 11, and FedEx Office locations will also be open.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be a regular business day for United States stock markets, as markets will not close in observance of Veterans Day.
The U.S. bond market, however, will be closed, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Which restaurants are offering deals for veterans on Veterans Day?
Veterans and active-duty military members can score free meals, burgers, pizza, coffee and other restaurant deals across the country on Wednesday, Nov. 11, as businesses mark Veterans Day.
Major chains including Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Red Robin and Starbucks are among those offering Veterans Day freebies or discounts in 2026. Most promotions require proof of military service, and many are limited to dine-in customers or participating locations, so it's worth checking with your local restaurant before heading out.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's open, closed on Veterans Day 2026? Here's what to know
