The United States celebrates Veterans Day each year on November 11th. The date commemorates the armistice that ended World War I, which went into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. This year, the holiday falls on a Monday, which means that many businesses and government offices will be closed. However, some will be open with varying hours and locations. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about what is open and closed in Texas, Illinois, and Florida on Veterans Day 2024, a day that honors the men and women who have served in the US armed forces.
Veterans Day History
Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11th in the United States to honor all U.S. military veterans. It was originally called Armistice Day and was established on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. This day was designated to celebrate the armistice signed between the Allied nations and Germany, which officially ended the “war to end all wars”. On May 13, 1938, Armistice Day became a legal holiday. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of when they served.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” on October 8, 1954, and called for a National Veterans Day Committee to coordinate national planning and celebration of Veterans Day. He also asked the heads of all departments and agencies of the executive branch of the government to help the committee in every way possible.
What’s Open and Closed in Texas, Illinois, and Florida
The official calendar of federal holidays in the United States indicates that Veterans Day is the next one. It is commemorated in November and, when it falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated on Friday, while if it is a Sunday, it is moved to the following Monday. In 2024, the exact date of the holiday is Monday, November 11.
Texas
In Texas, Veterans Day is a state holiday, so many state offices will be closed. However, most businesses will be open with regular hours. You can check with your local businesses for their specific hours of operation.
Texas School Closures
According to the Texas Education Agency, schools are not required to close for Veterans Day, though many do close for this holiday.
Illinois
Illinois does not recognize Veterans Day as a legal state holiday. However, many schools, businesses, and government offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.
School Closings
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “legal school holiday.” However, the board indicates that districts can choose to celebrate it. In those cases, the district considers it a “Non-Attendance Day,” which means that “no students are participating in learning as determined by the local school board.”
USPS, Banks, and Other Offices
Many banks in Illinois will be closed, as will federal courts and non-essential government offices.
In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and other Secretary of State offices will be closed. Other businesses, like retail stores and grocery stores are expected to be open, although hours may vary.
Events
Numerous events are planned in the Chicago area on Monday in honor of 2024 Veterans Day, including one of the area’s largest commemorative ceremonies at Soldier Field on Monday morning.
The Chicago stadium, built in 1919, was initially called Grant Park Municipal Stadium. However, it was renamed Soldier Field on November 11, 1925, at the request of Chicago Gold Star Mothers, to honor those killed in combat.
“Veterans Day is a revered time to honor the courage and sacrifice of all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement about Monday’s event. “We pay tribute to veterans right here in Chicago and across the country for their resilience and determination.”
According to the statement, the keynote address at the Soldier Field event will be given by the Honorable William J. Walker, the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress.
General Walker previously served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG), according to the statement.
The event will also formally recognize Chicago as a Purple Heart City, joining the ranks of cities around the country that honor the sacrifices of those who have been wounded or killed in combat, the statement says.
The event, which will include musical performances, a wreath-laying ceremony and other activities, is set to begin at 11 a.m.
Florida
Florida is a state that observes Veterans Day as a state holiday, which means that many state and local offices will be closed. Like Texas, many businesses in Florida are expected to be open with their regular hours.
USPS, Banks, Schools, and Other Offices
As Veterans Day is a federal holiday, the mail will not be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Monday.
Similarly, many banks will be closed, along with federal courts and non-essential government offices.
FedEx offices will be open this Monday and there will be home deliveries on November 11, but many other services will be closed.
UPS pick-up and delivery services will be available on November 11, and UPS Store locations will be open.
Miami-Dade and Broward County offices and courts will be closed, as will public schools and libraries.
Malls and Grocery Stores
All malls and grocery stores will be open.
Transportation
Tri-Rail and public transportation in Miami-Dade and Broward counties will operate on a regular schedule.
National Parks
What will be open and free to all visitors are National Parks.
“The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free this Veterans Day,” the NPS says.
Veterans Day Deals
Numerous businesses are offering discounts and free meals to honor those who have served the country.
Most in-person discounts will require proof of service, such as a military ID or a veteran’s organization membership card. Online discounts may require registering with ID.me to verify service.
Here’s a roundup of Veterans Day deals in the Chicago area:
- Starbucks - Free tall coffee for veterans, military members, and military spouses
- Applebee's - Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free entree from a special menu on Monday at Applebee’s
- BIBIBOP Asian Grill - Free bowl with military ID
- Buffalo Wild Wings - All active and former service members with valid ID can get 10 free boneless wings and fries
- Chili's - Chili’s will offer service members a free meal to dine in at the restaurant. Options will include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.
- Dunkin' - Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free donut on Monday at participating Dunkin’ locations.
- IHOP - The pancake house will be thanking veterans and active-duty military members with a free “stack” from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday.
- Rainbow Cone - Participating Rainbow Cone locations will be offering a free classic cone to all veterans and active-duty military.
This note was translated from a NBC Chicago note. To see the original note, click here.
