Veterans Day is coming up in 2024, and while many banks and government offices are closed for the federal holiday, some schools may be open.

This year, the federal holiday Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11. According to officials, the holiday occurs every year on November 11, regardless of which day of the week it falls.

In 2023, the holiday fell on a Saturday, with many sightings taking place the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be celebrated on Monday.

As the holiday approaches, here’s what you need to know about Veterans Day in Illinois

When and what is Veterans Day?

The day, which honors living veterans who served in the military, dates back to 1919.

The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It would have been the end of ‘the war to end all wars’, and always falls on November 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls.

President Woodrow Wilson opened the first celebration in 1919, with parades and a brief lull in business beginning at 11 a.m.

USPS, schools, banks: what’s open and closed on Veterans Day

Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, no mail will be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed Monday.

Likewise, many banks will be closed, as will federal courts and non-essential government offices.

In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and other Secretary of State offices will be closed.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “statutory school holiday.” However, the board does indicate that districts can choose to celebrate it. In those cases, the district considers it a “No Attendance” day, meaning “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”

Other “not present” days, the board says, include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day.

According to the Chicago Public Schools 2024-25 calendar, Veterans Day is not observed as a holiday.

National parks free on Veterans Day

What will be open – and free to all visitors – are the National Parks. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting a National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (Nov. 11),” the NPS says.

Veterans Day deals

A number of companies are offering promotions and free meals to honor those who have served the country.

Most personal discounts require proof of service, such as a military ID or veterans organization membership card. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to authenticate the service.

Here’s a look at Veterans Day freebies and offers in the Chicago area:

Starbucks

Free large coffee for veterans, military personnel and military spouses

From Applebee’s

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free entrée from a special menu at Applebee’s on Monday.

BIBIBOP Asian grill

Free come with military ID.

Buffalo wild wings

All former and current service members with valid ID can receive 10 free wings and boneless fries.

Chilis

Chili’s is offering service members a free meal if they choose to dine at the restaurant. Options include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.

Dunkin’

Veterans and active duty military personnel can receive a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations on Monday.

IHOP

The pancake house will thank veterans and active duty military members with a free stack Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Starbucks

The coffee chain is offering free large hot or iced coffee to veterans, military personnel and their spouses at participating locations on Monday.