Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11 each year, and this year it falls on a Tuesday, meaning a number of closures are in store this week.
The federal holiday will see many business offering discounts and deals to members of the military, but it will also see a number of businesses and buildings closed.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day, set for Nov. 11, 2025, “honors the service and sacrifice of all veterans — living and deceased.”
“Veterans Day honors and thanks all those who served honorably in the military – living and dead – whether in wartime or peace,” the Department of Veterans Affairs stated. “In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.”
The day originally began as a celebration to the end of World War I before President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming the day in 1954, where he “called upon Americans everywhere to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of peace.”
Then, on Oct. 7, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act, which requires
that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day.”
What’s closed on Veterans Day?
While not everything will be closed, the federal holiday designation does bring with it a number of changes for businesses.
Here’s a look at what will shut down for the holiday:
USPS
As Veterans Day is a federal holiday, mail will not be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed Monday.
UPS and FedEx, however, will remain open for the holiday, though some portions of the businesses may have modified service.
Banks and courts
Similarly, many banks will be closed, along with federal courts and non-essential government offices.
DMV
In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and other Secretary of State’s offices will be closed.
Schools
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday,” but it also notes “school activities are permitted.”
According to the Chicago Public Schools 2025-26 calendar, Veterans Day is listed as a holiday, with “no students or teachers in school.”
Where can you get Veterans Day deals?
In honor of those who have served, restaurants nationwide are showing their gratitude with an array of free meals, discounts and other well-deserved perks.
Most discounts will require proof of a military ID. For online discounts, you may need to register for ID.me to verify military service.
