By Charles Passy

The November 11 holiday, which honors those who served in the military, dates back to the end of World War I.

It is time to remember our veterans.

Veterans Day is on Monday, November 11. The American holiday was originally called Armistice Day because it commemorated the date and time (November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.) of the signing of the ceasefire that ended World War I. In 1919, on the first anniversary of the Armistice, President Woodrow Wilson said the day “will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the service of the country.” According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it would be “a day of parades and public gatherings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.”

Veterans Day is now a federal holiday that honors all military veterans.

It is also a day marked by many closures. Here’s more information about what to expect on Veterans Day.

Is the stock market open?

The two major stock markets – the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq – will be open, but the bond markets will be closed.

For years, the NYSE was closed on Veterans Day, but that changed in 1954, when it chose to stay open but observe a two-minute closing. Now the two-minute observation takes place before the market open, so there is no interruption to the trading day.

As for bond markets, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the trade group representing the bond community, said it is issuing closing recommendations based on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s holiday calendar — and that calendar does indeed include Veterans Day. .

Is mail delivered? Are FedEx and UPS open?

The US Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day. UPS (UPS) and FedEx (FDX) will offer many of their regular services, but customers can expect some changes.

Are banks closed?

Most banks are closed. That includes branches of Bank of America (BAC), Chase Bank (JPM), Capital One (COF), TD Bank (TD) and Wells Fargo (WFC).

Will government offices be closed?

Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, all non-essential federal government offices are closed. According to the Office Holidays website, it is also a holiday in almost every state. Wisconsin is the one notable exception: Veterans Day is not designated a holiday, although local veterans and some lawmakers have made efforts to change that.

National parks – many of which have direct connections to American military history – remain open and are even free to visitors on Veterans Day.

Do children go to school?

Most schools close on Veterans Day, but it is best to contact your local school district.

Are shops and restaurants open?

Stores and restaurants generally remain open on Veterans Day, with some chains offering free meals or discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans in appreciation for their service.

-Charles Passy

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