Veterans Day will be observed on Tuesday, November 11, and while most restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops will continue normal operations, several key public services such as banks and post offices will remain closed for the federal holiday.
The History Behind Veterans Day
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the roots of Veterans Day go back to November 11, 1918, when a temporary truce, known as an armistice, was signed between the Allied Nations and Germany, officially halting combat in World War I.
This peace took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, marking what many call “the end of the war to end all wars.”
The United States later established Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the armed forces. The date remains fixed on November 11 every year, regardless of the day of the week it falls on.
The Purpose of Veterans Day
The Department of Veterans Affairs describes Veterans Day as a celebration honoring America’s veterans—men and women who have shown patriotism, love for their country, and a willingness to serve and sacrifice for the nation’s good.
The day serves as a reminder of their bravery and as an opportunity for Americans to express gratitude to those who protect their freedoms.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Veterans Day
Are Post Offices Open on Veterans Day?
No. U.S. Post Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of the federal holiday.
As a result, mail delivery services—including letters and packages—will not operate on that day.
Are Banks Open on Veterans Day?
- Most major banks will not open their branches.
- Financial institutions including Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase will all close their offices for Veterans Day.
- However, online banking and ATMs will continue to function as usual for customer convenience.
Are Shipping Companies Like UPS and FedEx Operating?
UPS will provide pickup and delivery services on Veterans Day, but shipments handled through UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations could experience a one-day delay, since these rely on the U.S. Postal Service, which will be closed. Most UPS Store locations will remain open for business.
FedEx services will also continue uninterrupted on November 11. Both FedEx pickup and delivery operations and FedEx Office retail centers will be open throughout the day.
Veterans Day 2025 Operations
| Service Type | Status on Nov. 11, 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Post Office | Closed | No mail delivery |
| Major Banks | Closed | ATMs & online banking available |
| UPS Pickup/Delivery | Open | SurePost & Mail Innovations delayed 1 day |
| UPS Stores | Open | Regular business hours |
| FedEx Services | Open | Normal pickup, delivery & office hours |
| Restaurants/Retail Stores | Open | Some may offer veterans’ discounts |
Veterans Day is not just a day off—it’s a day to honor the men and women who have bravely served the United States.
While post offices and banks take a pause, most other businesses remain open, allowing Americans to go about their day while taking time to reflect on and thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.
