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Why Publix is open in Florida

Vaseline November 11, 2024

“Thank you for your service.” Veterans Day holiday is always November 11th.

Of all the holidays celebrated in a year, Publix, one of Florida’s largest supermarket chains, is closed on only three days: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The biggest and best holiday for gratitude is Veterans Day.

Grocery stores like Publix are helping get that message across with Veterans Day deals, freebies or special offers – a small but sincere thank you to our veterans.

Officially, there are twelve federal holidays per year in the US, along with countless religious holidays, many “fake” holidays, and unofficial holidays (we’re looking at you, Super Bowl Sunday).

Veterans Day is a day to honor the people who keep our country safe – and it’s a great time to do something special for one of our heroes.

All Publix locations are open that day. The Lakeland-based supermarket chain employs more than 255,000 people and operates nearly 1,400 stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Florida is home to more than 871 stores as of November 2024.

What is Veterans Day about?

It was 106 years ago this Monday (November 11, 2024), on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the fighting ended in World War I, “the war to end all wars.”

President Wilson declared November 11 as Armistice Day for the following year, to be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the service of the country and with gratitude for the victory.” It was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the sacrifice and patriotism of all veterans of America’s wars and active duty military personnel.

On this day, veterans events will be held locally and in the nation’s capital to support veterans around the world. But it’s also important to honor the military personnel in your own life – if you’re on active duty or a veteran yourself, thank you!

Besides being a great thing to do, many businesses and restaurants offer free items, food or services for veterans on Veterans Day and some of them may not be able to take advantage of the offers on their own. Many national chains and local restaurants welcome veterans with free appetizers, desserts and even full meals with ID.

Or if you’d rather stay home and eat, Publix is offering 10% off groceries on November 11 for all veterans and active military.

Is Disney World in Orlando doing anything special for Veterans Day?

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios), Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay) and SeaWorld Orlando all offer discounts, and Legoland Florida offers free tickets for military and first responders until the end of November.

Is Publix open on Veterans Day? Are Publix stores closed on Monday, November 11, 2024?

All Publix store locations will be open on Monday, November 11, 2024, or Veterans Day.

There are only three holidays when all Publix stores are closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Sunday.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her further Tweet or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.