Veterans Day 2024: Why is it on November 11? What's open and closed this year

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Veterans Day honors those who have served in the U.S. military and didn't get its official name until 1954.

WASHINGTON — Veterans Day, which is the annual celebration honoring those who have served in the U.S. military, is coming up.

The federal holiday on Monday, Nov. 11 is linked to the end of World War I and wasn't officially called Veterans Day until 1954.

Why is Veterans Day on November 11?

During World War I, the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918 when an armistice went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Nearly twenty years later, legislation passed on May 13, 1938, officially making Nov. 11 of each year a federal holiday, originally known as "Armistice Day," the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains on its website.

The holiday was first created to honor veterans of World War I, but then in 1954, the original legislation was amended to change the holiday's name to Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.

What is closed on Veterans Day 2024?

As is usually the case for federal holidays, the U.S. Postal Service will be taking a break from delivering mail on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day this year. Post offices across the U.S. will be closed for the holiday and mail delivery will be paused.

As the V.A. notes, sometimes when Veterans Day falls on a weekday some communities will choose to hold parades and celebrations on the weekend before or after so that even more people can participate.

Will banks be open on Veterans Day?

Most banks — including major banks such as Chase and Wells Fargo — are closed on Veterans Day, because they fall under the Federal Reserve, which is taking the day off as a government agency. Online banking services will still be in operation, with limited access to a live representative in many cases. ATMs should also remain accessible.

Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?

Unlike banks, the New York Stock Exchange doesn't close on Veterans Day. Wall Street will have a full day of trading and operate as usual on Monday.

National Parks: National parks across the country will not only be open on Veterans Day, but admission will be free, according to the National Parks Service.

Stores and Restaurants: Most places of business remain open on Veterans Day, although some may have reduced hours.

How is Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?

In the United States, Memorial Day's purpose is to honor military members who have died, while Veterans Day recognizes the service of all America's veterans.

In 2024, Memorial Day was observed on Monday, May 27. Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 11.