Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring living veterans who served in the military and celebrated each year on Nov. 11, falls on Monday, which means a three-day weekend for some workers.

The holiday dates back to 1919 and stems from the commemoration of Armistice Day, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Although Veterans Day always falls on November 11, regardless of what day of the week the date is in a given year, if November 11 falls on a weekend, the day’s celebration is shifted.

In 2023, Veterans Day fell on a Saturday, with many sightings occurring the day before on a Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be celebrated the following day on Monday.

Here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed during the holidays:

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 boneless wings and 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.

Rainbow cone

Participating Rainbow Cone locations are offering a free classic sundae to all veterans and active military.