Veterans Day, founded in 1926, is an annual holiday in November where military veterans both past and present are remembered.
This year, it falls on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
It is observed every year to thank the men and women who served in our military.
Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of all military veterans, is sometimes confused with Memorial Day, the holiday in late May that honors those who died while serving in the military.
Here is what you need to know about what places are open and what places are closed on Veterans Day 2024.
Veterans Day is a state and federal holiday.
It’s the ninth of 11 federal holidays in 2024 with Thanksgiving and Christmas to follow.
Veterans Day began in 1926, founded as an annual day to remember all U.S. military veterans, past and present.
There will be no mail delivered on the actual celebration of Veterans Day (Nov. 11), but UPS will still make deliveries. UPS stores will remain open.
However, certain deliveries, such as UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations, may take an extra business day in transit due to the federal (USPS) holiday, according to the UPS website.
FedEx packages will not be delivered on Nov. 10, except for Custom Critical, Trade Networks, Home Delivery or Office shipping. On Veterans Day (Nov. 11), most services will remain available except for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy, which will operate on a modified schedule.
United States Postal Service offices will be closed on Nov. 11, 2024.
Most banks will be closed for Veterans Day.
The following banks are scheduled to be closed:
Most grocery stores should be open, but some may have reduced hours for the holiday. Shoppers should ultimately check with their local supermarket for specific information on opening and closing hours, as it can vary by location.
The following major supermarket chains in New Jersey are scheduled to be open on Veterans Day:
- Acme (6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; varies by store)
- Aldi (8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- BJ’s (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- Costco (10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
- Foodtown (varies by store)
- Lidl (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- ShopRite (varies by store)
- Stop & Shop (7 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- Trader Joe’s (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; varies by store)
- Walmart (6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; varies by store)
- Wegmans (6 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Whole Foods (7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; varies by store)
All major retail stores and businesses, like Hobby Lobby, Apple and Planet Fitness, and malls should be open, along with most shopping centers, according to HolidayShoppingHours.com.
To see a list of some of the more popular store opening and closing times, click here.
Most restaurants should be open for takeout, delivery and in-person dining. Patrons should check with specific restaurants for exact hours and information.
Veterans can eat for free or get free food at select restaurants on Veterans Day, including places like Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s and Olive Garden.
The New York Stock Exchange is open on Monday, Nov. 11.
Nasdaq trading will also be open. However, bond markets will be closed.
All Motor Vehicle Commission offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11 to observe the Veterans Day holiday. Additionally, all New Jersey state offices and courts are closed for the holiday.
NJ Transit will observe the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, Nov. 11. Riders should use NJ Transit’s online trip planner to double-check arrival and departure times.
PATH and SEPTA will operate on a weekday schedule.
The next federal holiday is Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 24 with Christmas Day to follow on Dec. 25.
Veterans Day Discounts
A number of restaurants are offering discounted or free meals for veterans and active military members, You can check out restaurants that have Veterans Day discounts, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s, Olive Garden, Chili’s, and Wendy’s.
For more information about the history of Veterans Day, check out the video below:
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
