IS VETERANS DAY A FEDERAL HOLIDAY?
Every November, we celebrate and honor our nation’s Veterans for their ongoing sacrifices that have kept our country free. Veterans Day is a great tradition that began by celebrating peace and has evolved into shining a light on the people who make peace possible. However, whether or not Veterans Day is a federal or state holiday continues to elude many Americans. Furthermore, there are closures to consider involving government buildings, financial institutions, schools, etc. Here’s how it all works in the United States.
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday in the USA?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated throughout the United States, honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.
These days, it’s celebrated on November 11 annually, which was once Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, before President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed its name in 1954.
Weirdly enough, even with the change, it wasn’t until 1978, that the federal holiday would permanently gain its current annual date of celebration.
Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, there are several buildings and services that are closed to the public as a result.
This includes not only the actual date of the holiday but also surrounding dates, such as the Friday or Monday before or after November 11.
These observations allow employees the opportunity to get time off, and honors current active duty military members. It originally came to be as an incentive to boost local economies by encouraging trips and excursions among Americans.
Banks, Schools, and Federal Closures
Veterans Day can cause some disruptions, with banks, schools, and federal agencies being the most affected.
While the Federal Reserve System honors Veterans Day, whether your local financial institution will, varies.
In fact, it may vary even within each company, as individual branches may decide whether or not they will be open during the holiday.
Furthermore, you’ll need to check your local branch’s hours of operation leading up to Veterans Day as there may be closures on the Friday before or after the actual holiday in observance.
Many schools close on the Friday before Veterans Day; however, this is not a requirement and will vary depending on your school district.
As for federal buildings and services, expect them to be generally closed on Veterans Day. If Veterans Day is on a weekend, then you’ll need to be aware of closures on either the Friday before or the Monday after November 11 that year.
Keep in mind that this means federal buildings, the DMV, libraries, post offices—and mail trucks, are all likely to be closed on Veterans Day.
Furthermore, with the exception of Wisconsin, Veterans Day is also considered a state holiday, meaning local government agencies will also be closed in observance.
Finally, some businesses may be closed to observe Veterans Day; however, if you are a Vet, you can also find plenty of establishments offering perks and discounts as a thank-you.
Most notably, many restaurants offer free or discounted meals for Veterans and service members as a way to give back to the military community.
Why Does Wisconsin Not Celebrate Veterans Day?
Since Veterans Day is a federal, bank, and state holiday for most, it’s a bit odd that the Badger State doesn’t celebrate it the same way.
This means that state employees and military members aren’t automatically given the day off for Veterans Day as they are in other states.
This is because Wisconsin has a long history of maintaining the celebration of Armistice Day on November 11.
Despite the change in the 1950s on a federal level, Wisconsin chose not to follow suit and continues to do so, even though campaigns to fall in with the rest of the nation took place in the 1980s, as well as 2022.
Related reads:
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What Is Veterans Day 2024? Honoring All Who Served
The Best Veterans Day Deals Offered In 2024
Sources:
Federal Holidays, OPM. Accessed October 2024. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/
Wisconsin State Holidays: Guide for Employers, factorial. Accessed October 2024. https://factorialhr.com/blog/wisconsin-state-holidays/