Every year on November 11, the United States pauses to honour its military heroes on Veterans Day. This national holiday, observed on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, commemorates the historic armistice that silenced the guns of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The day is formally dedicated to recognizing all American veterans who have served the nation in times of war and peace.
Essential Service Closures on Veterans Day
As a federal holiday, Veterans Day 2025 will lead to the shutdown of several key public services. The most significant closures affect mail delivery and financial institutions. All United States Postal Service (USPS) post offices will be closed, and regular mail delivery, including services to residential and commercial addresses, will be suspended for the day. Any mail expected to arrive on Tuesday will typically be delivered on Wednesday.
In the banking sector, most major bank branches will also remain shut. This includes prominent names like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Capital One. While physical locations will be inaccessible, customers can continue to use ATMs and online banking services without interruption. Customer support lines are also expected to remain active.
What Remains Open and Operational?
Despite the closures, many services will continue to function. Major shipping carriers UPS and FedEx plan to operate their pickup and delivery networks on a normal schedule. However, customers using hybrid services that rely on the USPS for final delivery, such as UPS SurePost, should anticipate potential delays of one extra day.
The status of US financial markets is split. While the US stock markets will be open for trading as usual, the bond market will be closed for the holiday. For daily needs, retail stores, grocery markets, and most other daily services are expected to maintain regular business hours, though it is always wise to check with local establishments.
School Schedules and Local Observances
The impact of Veterans Day on schools varies widely across the country. Many public school districts choose to close entirely for the holiday. Others remain open but integrate special observances into the school day, such as assemblies featuring veteran guest speakers, student-led projects, and other educational programs to teach students about the significance of the day and to honour those who served.
Ultimately, while government offices, mail service, and banks will be closed, the nation takes this moment to reflect and express gratitude. The Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that the observance is meant "to honor American Veterans of all wars," remembering everyone who trained, deployed, returned home, or made the ultimate sacrifice.
