Veterans Day, which commemorates Americans who have served in the military, is observed annually on November 11, with the holiday this year falling on a Monday. That may prompt questions about which businesses and services, from banks to USPS mail delivery, may be open or closed today.
Veterans Day was first designated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to mark the end of World War 1, with Congress officially recognizing it as a federal holiday in 1926, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Given that the day marks military service, many stores and retailers offer discounts to veterans, such as restaurant chain Bob Evans offering a free dinner to veterans and active duty military, and Starbucks' offer of a free coffee on November 11 to veterans, military service members and military spouses.
What's Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2024?
Most holidays have some flexibility as to when they’re observed, making it easier to use them for a three-day weekend. Veteran’s Day is not one of those holidays, though by a happy calendar accident, it lands on Monday this year and could extend some people’s weekends.
Along with New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Independence Day, Veterans Day is locked to a specific day: Nov. 11. It’s a federal and bank holiday, which always raises questions about what’s open and what’s closed.
Here’s the good news: Retail stores generally keep their doors open (though some small businesses choose to honor those who have served and take the day off). If your to-do list involves visiting a government office or visiting the bank today, however, it can be a lot more complicated.
Here’s a look at who’s open and closed on Veterans Day 2024.
Banks
They’re not. Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning most banks will be closed. You can, of course, still make online transfers and use ATM machines to get cash or put money into your account.
USPS
The U.S. Postal Service has the day off, but UPS and FedEx will conduct business as usual, including deliveries for all divisions. In addition, all of their drop-off locations will have normal hours.
Stock Market
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and other stock markets remain open. Their next scheduled holiday is Thanksgiving. The bond markets, though, will be closed.
Government Offices
Federal offices will be closed. Similarly, most (but probably not all) city, county and state divisions will have the day off as well.
Retailers
Pretty much all of them. While some small businesses could be closed as a show of respect or due to staffing issues, major retailers will be open as usual.
Veterans Day Deals and Discounts
The finest restaurants celebrate Veterans Day as they honour the sacrifices made by the veterans and the active-duty military personnel. The day is celebrated every year on November 11 as it marks the day World War 1 ended when the Allies and Germany agreed upon signing an armistice agreement. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, the fight ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. Many renowned restaurants and eateries offer discounts and meal offers on this historic day.
Restaurant Deals
On Veterans Day, several restaurants are honoring those who served with free meals and special deals.
To get the most out of these deals, make sure you bring a valid military or veteran ID.
Veterans Day, intended to honor all the people who served in the American armed forces, both those who are alive and those who died, is on Monday, November 11.
- Applebee's
For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military a special Veterans Day meal on Monday, where they can select entrées at any Applebee's across the country. However, this deal will only apply to those dining in.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Current and former military who dine in on Monday can receive a free chocolate chunk Pizookie® and a free appetizer coupon on their next visit.
- Buffalo Wild Wings
For those looking for chicken wings, all past and present armed services members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries. This deal is available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.
- California Pizza Kitchen
For pizza lovers, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is offering a complimentary entrée and drink from a prix fixe menu available on Monday when dining in. Additionally, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine with CPK on Veterans Day will receive a Buy-One-Get-One coupon. The coupon applies to any pizza, pasta or salad and is redeemable for a future visit between November 12 and November 25, 2024.
- Chili's
The restaurant chain is also celebrating the holiday with a free meal as a small way to honor service members.
- Olive Garden
On Monday, Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines with them a free entrée from our special menu.
- Cracker Barrel
For those looking to have some breakfast on Monday, veterans and active-duty service members who dine in can enjoy a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special.
- Denny's and IHOP
Denny's is offering a complimentary Original Grand Slam® breakfast at participating locations for veterans and active members. In addition, IHOP is offering veterans and active military members a free red, white & blue pancake combo on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dunkin' and Starbucks
Dunkin' is thanking those who have served with a free donut on Monday with no ID required. However, there is a limit of one per guest while supplies last and is available in stores only. Meanwhile, Starbucks is offering a free 12-ounce coffee to veterans, active military members and military spouses.
Other Deals
- Academy Sports
For active service members, veterans and first responders, Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering a discount from October 20 to November 11, 2024. As you can take 10 percent off your entire purchase online or in-store.
- Amazon
The e-commerce store is also offering a 20 percent discount on select items for Veterans Day, with no military ID required.
- Great Clips
In need of a haircut? Great Clips is offers veterans and active service members to come in every year on November 11 and get a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit. In addition, if you're a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on November 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran as a way of saying thank you.
Similarly, Sport Clips locations will launch the in-store "Help A Hero" fundraiser from October 6 to November 16 and participating stores will offer free haircuts for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day.
- Target
Target will be offering a rare two-time use storewide 10 percent discount with a Target Circle offer—valid in-store and online for all military personnel, veterans, and their families. In addition, if you're a Target Circle Cardholder, you will get an extra 5 percent off and free shipping on top of this Target Circle Bonus.
Things to Do
Looking for something to do to celebrate Veterans Day? Several attractions across the country will be offering discounts and deals.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, from Thursday, November 7, through Monday, November 11, will host a series of events and tributes for military and veterans, as well as the families and communities that support them. This year's highlights include complimentary museum admission to active and retired U.S. military, veterans, Blue & Gold Star families, and guests.
Knott's Berry Farm, in Buena Park, California, is offering discounted admission to Knott's Berry Farm for active, retired, and veteran military personnel themselves and up to five guests during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday between November 4 and 21, 2024, and December 2 and 12, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online for $25.
Other theme parks such as Six Flags in California and Georgia are offering veterans and active-duty members free admission. Family and friends of veterans receive discounted park admission (up to four).
In addition, zoos across the country will offer similar deals such as the North Carolina Zoo, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Nashville Zoo.
Meanwhile, if looking to remember those who have lost their lives, the National World War I Museum in Kansas City will offer free general admission for veterans and active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public during Veterans Day Weekend, from Friday, November 8 to Monday, November 11.
The Meaning of Veterans Day
The holiday is meant to honor those who have died in the country’s service and thank those who have served. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson and became a legal federal holiday in 1938.
There’s a reason we don’t deviate from the Nov. 11 date. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, a cease fire (or armistice) went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany, which signaled the unofficial end of World War I.
