Federal Veterans Day is coming up in 2024, which means banks, as well as state and government offices, are closed and mail will not be delivered. But are the schools open?
This year, Veterans Day falls on a Monday. However, this day occurs on November 11 each year, regardless of what day of the week it falls.
As the holidays approach, here’s what you need to know.
When and what is Veterans Day?
This day, which honors living veterans who served in the military, dates back to 1919.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, this holiday originated in the commemoration of Armistice Day, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This should have been the end of “the war to end all wars,” and it always falls on November 11, regardless of what day of the week that date falls.
President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the first celebration in 1919, with parades and a brief break in activities starting at 11 a.m.
For 2024, Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11.
In 2023, the holiday fell on a Saturday, with many sightings taking place on the previous Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday
Banks, DMV, USPS and more
Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, mail will not be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Monday.
Likewise, many banks will be closed, as will federal courts and non-essential government offices.
In Illinois, driver licensing centers and other Secretary of State offices will be closed.
Are schools closed on Veterans Day?
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “legal school holiday.” However, the council says districts can choose to celebrate it. In these cases, the district considers it a “no attendance” day, meaning “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”
According to the Council, other “no attendance” days include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day.
According to the Chicago Public Schools 2024-25 calendar, Veterans Day is not considered a holiday.
Free National Parks on Veterans Day
What will be open – and free to all visitors – are the national parks. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11),” the NPS says.
Veterans Day Deals
A number of companies are offering deals and free meals to honor those who have served the country.
Most in-person drop-offs will require proof of service, such as a military ID or membership in a veteran’s organization. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to verify the service.
Here’s a look at current Veterans Day gifts and deals in the Chicago area:
Starbucks
Free High Brew Coffee for Veterans, Military and Military Spouses
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free entrée Monday from a special menu at Applebee’s.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Free bowl with military ID.
Wild buffalo wings
All past and present military personnel with valid ID can get 10 free boneless wings and fries.
Chilies
Chili’s will offer military members a free meal when dining out. Options will include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.
Dunkin’
Veterans and active duty military members can receive a free donut Monday at participating Dunkin’ locations.
IHOP
The creperie will thank veterans and active duty military with a free stack from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Rainbow cone
Participating Rainbow Cone locations will offer a free classic sundae to all veterans and active military personnel.
Starbucks
The coffee chain will offer veterans, military members and their spouses a free large brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating locations on Monday.
