US veterans celebrate 81 years since D-Day in France
“Eighty-one years later, we’re still free.” American veterans gather in France to commemorate 81 years since D-Day, the Allied amphibious assault on Nazi Germany.
Tuesday, November 11th is the annual Veterans Day holiday, and banks and post offices will be closed on this day, but most restaurants, grocery stores, and retail chain stores will be open. Some restaurants are offering sales and discounts to celebrate veterans.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the origins of Veterans Day, a federal holiday, date back to November 11, 1918, when the Suspension of Hostilities, or armistice, between the Allies and Germany went into effect at 11:00 a.m. on November 11.
“November 11, 1918 is therefore generally regarded as the end of the ‘war to end all wars,'” according to the agency’s website. Veterans Day is still observed on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week.
When Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, many states had already begun celebrating it. In 1954, Congress, with support from veterans organizations, changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. President Eisenhower signed the bill on June 1, 1954, according to History.com.
The purpose of the day is “a celebration honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and service and sacrifice for the common good,” the Department of Veterans Affairs says on its website.
Here’s what you need to know about Veterans Day business hours and closures this year.
Will the post office be open on Veterans Day? Will my mail be delivered?
No, as Veterans Day is a federal holiday, the post office will be closed and no mail will be delivered.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Branches of banks including Bank of America, Trust, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo, Citibank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day.
Are delivery services like UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day?
UPS pickup and delivery services will be available starting Tuesday, November 11th, but UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require an additional business day of transit time due to USPS federal holidays. UPS Store locations will also be open.
FedEx pickup and delivery services will also be available on Tuesday, and FedEx offices will be open.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Tuesday, November 11th will be a regular business day for the U.S. stock market, as the market will not be closed for Veterans Day. Meanwhile, the U.S. bond market will be closed, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Which restaurants offer deals for veterans on Veterans Day?
Restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel and Arby’s are offering perks and giveaways to veterans on November 11th.
Most Veterans Day transactions require a veteran, military, or military-dependent identification document, such as a Veterans ID card or a DD214 card showing time served. There are also many benefits exclusive to dine-in customers. Be sure to contact your local location to confirm participation.
Contributor: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
