What Is Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2018?

While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, not every business closes to recognize it. This means some locations will open per usual while others may not. Making things more confusing, Veterans Day, which occurs every November 11, falls on a Sunday in 2018. This means the federal government observes the holiday on Monday, November 12, to ensure all non-essential federal workers get a day off in recognition. Below is a list of types of businesses and whether they will open or closed on Veterans Day proper, or the day it is observed.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. On both days, banks and credit unions will close, barring a few exceptions. Most financial institutions close on Sundays normally, so Veterans Day will be no different. Additionally, they commonly observe federal holidays by closing.

Drug Stores

Drug stores are open. Major chains like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens will open according to their usual schedules. However, if a pharmacy counter isn’t usually open on Sunday, they won’t open on November 11 either.

Smaller drug store chains or independent locations may or may not open on Veterans Day or the observation day on Monday. If you were planning to head to one of these stores, you should contact them in advance to confirm they will be open on either day.

Federal Government Offices

Federal government offices are closed. Since federal offices are usually not open on Sundays and the holiday is being observed on a Monday in 2018, most locations will not be open to the public on either day. However, essential personnel, like law enforcement, will be on duty regardless of the holiday as a matter of safety.

Garbage Services

Garbage service may or may not pick up. Since garbage service varies, you need to check with your local provider if your usual pickup falls on either Sunday, November 11, or Monday, November 12 to verify if there is a change.

Similarly, city or county dumps may or may not be open, so you should contact them before you make a trip.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

Gas Stations and convenience stores are open. By and large, both chain gas stations and convenience stores will operate according to their usual Sunday and Monday schedules, regardless of the Veterans Day holiday. However, independent convenience stores may close on either day, though pay-at-the-pump service is typically still available.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. All chain grocery stores that are usually open on Sundays will open on Veterans Day as well as the Monday after. Many smaller retailers will also open if they don’t commonly close on Sundays, though it is wise to contact the store and verify they will be open before you go.

Libraries

Libraries may or may not open. Some libraries close to observe federal holidays and not every location opens on Sundays. This means a library may close on Sunday, Monday, or both, depending on how they recognize Veterans Day and their usual operating hours.

National Parks

National parks are open. Not only are National parks open on Veterans Day, but it is also a free entry day. Locations will also be open on Monday, November 12, but the usual fee will apply.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed on both Veterans Day and Monday, November 12, 2018. There will be no mail pick up or delivery, and employees are not available to assist customers.

However, you can still access your post office box if it is in an unsecured part of the building. Additionally, self-service kiosks are usually operational if they are available at your location.

Public Transportation

Public transportation may operate on holiday schedules. Many bus and rail services have holiday schedules and may use them on either Veterans Day or Monday. Before heading out, check with your local provider to determine if there are any changes to the usual operating schedules.

Restaurants

Restaurants are open. Most chain restaurants open on Veterans Day, and some even offer special deals to veterans, such as free meals. The only exception may be restaurants that commonly close on Sundays, like Chick-fil-A.

Independently-owned restaurants may or may not be open, so you may want to call ahead if you would like to eat at one of those locations.

Retail Stores

Large retailers are open. Nearly every major chain, including Costco, Target, and Walmart, open on Veterans Day according to their usual business hours. Some may also run big sales to recognize the event, while others will issue a standard sale flyer.

However, any stores that typically close on Sundays likely will not be open on Veterans Day. For example, Hobby Lobby closes every Sunday and will do the same on Veterans Day 2018. However, they will open on Monday even though that is when the federal government observes Veterans Day for 2018.

Schools

Schools are closed on Veterans Day but may or may not be open on Monday. Public schools are traditionally closed on Sundays, so Veterans Day will be no different. However, not all schools will observe the holiday on Monday, as school districts handle the holiday differently. Check with your school in advance to confirm whether they will open on Monday.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices will also not be open. The majority of government offices at every level close for federal holidays. However, essential services, like police and fire, remain available for public safety.

U.S. Stock Markets

Stock markets are closed on Veterans Day only because it is on a Sunday. The reason the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ close this Veterans Day is because it falls on a Sunday. When the holiday falls on a usual operating day, they both stay open. They will maintain a typical schedule on Monday, November 12.

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Photo: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau