Yes — today is Veterans Day. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is the federal holiday set aside to honor every American who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces in war or peace. Because the date falls midweek this year, there is no automatic long weekend; federal offices close for the single day while most private businesses continue operating.
Veterans Day marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — the moment the armistice ending major fighting in World War I took effect on November 11, 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, the observance became a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954 Congress renamed it Veterans Day so it would honor veterans of all wars. A brief experiment in the early 1970s moved the holiday to a Monday in October; public preference for the historic date led Congress and President Gerald Ford to restore the fixed November 11 observance beginning in 1978. It has remained on that calendar date ever since.
President Donald J. Trump issued the official 2026 proclamation recognizing November 11 as Veterans Day and encouraging Americans to display the flag and participate in community ceremonies. The national observance takes place at 11 a.m. Eastern Time at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, with a wreath-laying tradition at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Attendance at the amphitheater program is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis; visitors must use the cemetery tram.
What Is Closed on Veterans Day 2026
Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103) lists Veterans Day among the 11 permanent legal public holidays. Consequently:
- All non-essential federal offices are closed, including Social Security field offices, IRS taxpayer assistance centers, and most federal courts.
- U.S. Postal Service post offices are closed and regular mail and package delivery is suspended. Service resumes Thursday, November 12. Self-service kiosks remain available at many locations, and usps.com continues to support stamp purchases, Hold Mail, and Click-N-Ship label printing.
- Federal Reserve Banks are closed, so most bank branches follow suit. Major institutions such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and TD Bank keep physical branches closed. ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps continue to work, but deposits, transfers, and ACH payments initiated Wednesday generally post on Thursday.
- The U.S. bond market is closed on the recommendation of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
- Many state and local government offices, DMV locations, and public schools close. Closures vary by jurisdiction — New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami-Dade public schools are among those closed, while some other districts remain open. Always check your local district or agency.
What Stays Open on Veterans Day
- The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq operate normal trading hours (9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET).
- UPS and FedEx maintain pickup and delivery service. Some UPS Ground Saver and Mail Innovations shipments may add an extra business day because of the USPS closure.
- Most grocery stores, big-box retailers, restaurants, and pharmacies remain open, often with regular or slightly reduced hours. Many offer free meals, discounts, or special recognition for veterans and active-duty service members.
- National parks that normally charge entrance fees waive those fees on Veterans Day for U.S. citizens and residents (the 2026 policy limits the free day to citizens and residents). Other fees such as timed-entry reservations or camping may still apply. Veterans and Gold Star families are eligible for free annual or lifetime military passes year-round.
Practical Tips for November 11, 2026
Plan banking and postal needs for Tuesday or Thursday. If you must mail something urgent, use Priority Mail Express (which continues limited delivery) or a private carrier. For parks, confirm any reservation requirements on the specific park’s page before traveling. Local trash collection, parking rules, and transit schedules often shift; check your city or county site. Communities nationwide host parades, flag ceremonies, and free-meal events — search for listings near you.
The holiday is a chance both to thank those who served and to understand the practical effects of a midweek federal holiday. Whether you attend a local ceremony, visit a national park, or simply pause at 11 a.m., the day remains a fixed point on the American calendar.
Share how you are honoring Veterans Day today or tell us what is open or closed in your town — and stay updated for the latest community events.