Tuesday, Nov. 11 marks the federal holiday Veterans Day, which “honors the service and sacrifice of all veterans — living and deceased,” the Department of Veterans Affairs stated.
The Veterans Day holiday began more than a century ago, albeit under a different name, as a celebration of the end of World War I. Over time its name and purpose evolved into a day of recognition for U.S. veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving in uniform.
It’s also day off for U.S. postal workers and federal government employees, though most of them are not reporting to work right now during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Many Veterans Day celebrations have been cancelled due to the government shutdown.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to celebrate the agreement between the Allied nations and Germany to cease all fighting during World War I that took effect at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
The U.S. marked its first Armistice Day under President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Congress made Nov. 11 an official federal holiday in 1938.
Here’s what is open and closed this year on Veterans Day:
Is mail delivered on Veterans Day?
As Veterans Day is a federal holiday, mail will not be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed Monday.
UPS and FedEx, however, will remain open for the holiday, though some portions of the businesses may have modified service.
Are banks open? Is the stock market open?
U.S. stock markets are open for trading as usual, however the bond market and most banks are closed.
City offices and courts are also closed.
Is the DMV open?
In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and other Secretary of State’s offices will be closed.
Are schools open?
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday,” but it also notes “school activities are permitted.”
According to the Chicago Public Schools 2025-26 calendar, Veterans Day is listed as a holiday, with “no students or teachers in school.”
Free museums
In Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium on Tuesday has a free evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday for Illinois residents. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also free on Tuesdays for Illinois residents.
In suburban Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Gardens is holding a free admission day for Illinois residents on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day deals
In honor of those who have served, restaurants nationwide are showing their gratitude with an array of free meals, discounts and other well-deserved perks.
Most discounts will require proof of a military ID. For online discounts, you may need to register for ID.me to verify military service.
Events and Ceremonies
Annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony
The City of Chicago will host its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at 11 a.m. at Soldier Field.
“Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who have worn our nation’s uniform,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a release about the event. “Chicago’s veterans embody the best of our city’s values: service, resilience and unity. On this day, we not only honor their dedication, but also recommit ourselves to supporting them and their families every day of the year.”
Brigadier General Jorge M. Fonseca, Director of the Joint Staff of the Illinois National Guard, will serve as the keynote speaker, according to organizers. The program will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldier Field Memorial Water Wall, along with remarks from Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and other civic and military leaders.
Aurora will hold its annual Aurora Veterans Day Parade at 10:15 a.m., and St. Charles will hold its annual ceremony at 10:30 a.m. A number of other Chicago suburbs will hold Veterans Day events, including Bartlett, Waukegan, Orland Park, Naperville and more.
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