Today is Veterans Day. It is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The day honors people who served in the United States military. Many people are searching for what is open and what is closed today. Here is a simple guide to the day.
What Happened
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States. A federal holiday is a day when most government offices are closed. The day is marked every year on November 11. It began as Armistice Day, and it marked the end of World War I. The name changed to Veterans Day later, and it now honors all Americans who served in the military. It was first marked across the country in 1919, and Congress made it a federal holiday in 1926.
Why People Are Talking About It
People want to know if they can get mail today, and they want to know if banks and stores are open. The post office is closed today, so there is no mail delivery. Most banks are closed too, and Bank of America, Chase, and TD Bank are all closed. But you can still use an ATM, and you can also use your bank app or website. The stock market is open, and the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are both open for trading. The stock market is a place where people buy and sell small pieces of companies, and each small piece is called a stock.
Most stores are open today. Walmart and Target are open at normal hours, and Costco is open too. Many food stores are open as well, and most drug stores are open. Some stores also offer free meals to veterans today. Applebee’s, Chili’s, IHOP, and Starbucks are some of the places with free food or drinks for veterans. Check with your local store first, because hours can change by place.
What Happens Next
Life goes back to normal on Thursday. The post office will open again, and banks will open again. Mail will be delivered as usual. If you need a bank today, use the app or an ATM. If you need to send a package, check the store hours first. Cold air is also in the news this week, because the polar vortex just made a historic reversal. You can read our story about the polar vortex and the cold air it may bring.
Final Thoughts
Veterans Day is a day to say thank you. It honors the people who served the country. It is also a day when many offices are closed, so plan your day with that in mind. If you see a veteran today, a simple thank you can mean a lot.