Veterans Day 2025: Honoring America’s Heroes and Understanding What’s Open and Closed

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A Day of Honor and Reflection

Every year on November 11, the United States pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of its veterans. Veterans Day pays tribute to all men and women who have served in the U.S. military—whether in wartime or peacetime. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Tuesday, and as always, it stands as a reminder of the nation’s gratitude for those who have dedicated their lives to defending freedom.

Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance began in 1919—marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. The armistice took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. In 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all wars, broadening its meaning to include every generation of service members.

A Federal Holiday With National Traditions

Veterans Day is one of the 11 official federal holidays recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal offices and many state and local government buildings close in observance, allowing employees to take part in community events and ceremonies.

In New York City, the largest annual Veterans Day Parade—organized by the United War Veterans Council—kicks off at 11 a.m. on Fifth Avenue. The 2025 parade carries special significance, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military and celebrating the founding of the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. Across the country, local communities host parades, flag ceremonies, and volunteer events to honor those who served.

What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2025

Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, most government offices, post offices, and banks will be closed on Tuesday, November 11. Mail delivery will not take place, though USPS Priority Mail Express will remain available for urgent deliveries.

Most schools—public and private—will close for the day, though some universities, like the University of Texas, plan to remain open with regular classes.

Retail stores, restaurants, and grocery chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, and Meijer will stay open, often offering discounts or free meals to veterans and active-duty personnel as a gesture of thanks.

Delivery services will operate with minor adjustments: UPS and FedEx will both run on modified schedules, while some shipments (such as UPS Ground Saver) may take an extra business day in transit.

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will open for normal trading hours, even as financial institutions remain closed. Digital banking and ATMs will continue operating as usual.

In El Paso, for instance, all city administrative offices will close on November 11, along with libraries, recreation centers, and public museums. However, services such as public transportation and waste collection will run as scheduled, ensuring essential operations continue smoothly.

Why Veterans Day Matters

More than a century after its origin, Veterans Day remains a moment to reflect on the meaning of service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that the holiday honors not only sacrifice in war but also the dedication shown in times of peace. It’s a day to thank those who put duty above self—protecting the nation, its people, and its ideals.

In communities across the country, Americans show their gratitude by attending parades, visiting memorials, or simply reaching out to the veterans in their lives. Whether through a handshake, a message, or a moment of silence, every gesture reinforces a powerful message: their service matters, and their legacy endures.

Conclusion: Remember, Reflect, and Reconnect

As the nation marks Veterans Day 2025, let it be more than a day off work or school—it’s an opportunity to remember the heroes who shaped our history and continue to safeguard our future. From those who stormed beaches to those who serve quietly today, every veteran carries the story of commitment, resilience, and unity that defines America’s spirit.

Take time to listen, to thank, and to honor. Because while freedom may be timeless, the gratitude we show keeps its meaning alive.

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