Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? See if banks, post office, stock market are open
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Federal Holiday Status and Its Implications
Veterans Day is a federal holiday under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, which means all federal offices, including the White House, federal courts, and federal agencies, will be closed. In addition, the Department of Labor’s list of federal holidays confirms that November 11 is designated for paid leave for employees of federal agencies. The Courier‑Journal notes that this federal observance often prompts state and local governments to adopt similar closures, although the article clarifies that Kentucky, where the newspaper is based, has historically treated Veterans Day as a public holiday with many state agencies closed.
The article points out that the holiday’s status is reaffirmed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s calendar, which lists Veterans Day as a non‑business day. This calendar is updated annually and is a key reference for businesses planning holiday schedules. By following the link to the Department of Labor’s holiday list, readers can confirm the closure dates for federal and state agencies, as well as understand the statutory basis for the holiday.
Banking Hours and Banking Services
One of the most widely affected sectors is banking. The Courier‑Journal reports that most banks will open at their regular times on the morning of November 11, but will close at 2:00 p.m. local time. The article cites a note from the Federal Reserve’s website, which confirms that the federal banking system will maintain normal operations on the morning of Veterans Day, with a reduced closing window. This “early close” is intended to allow employees to participate in community events and to honor veterans while still providing access to essential banking services for a limited period.
The article also reminds residents that the Federal Reserve’s “Closed on Veterans Day” policy is standard for the holiday. By following the link to the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule, readers find that this early‑closing practice is consistent across all branches and is designed to accommodate the holiday’s cultural significance.
Postal Service Operations
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will remain closed on Veterans Day. The Courier‑Journal includes a link to the USPS holiday schedule, which indicates that all post offices will be closed on November 11, 2025, and that mail delivery will not occur on that day. The article explains that while this closure aligns with the federal holiday policy, USPS provides information on how residents can schedule urgent deliveries in advance or use alternative services such as Express Mail for time‑critical needs.
In addition, the article notes that the USPS’s “Holiday Closure Notice” is posted on their official website. This notice details the steps people can take to ensure important documents and packages are handled before the holiday, such as using “Priority Mail” on the day preceding the holiday.
Stock Market Closure
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will also be closed on Veterans Day. The Courier‑Journal’s linked source from the NYSE confirms that the market will be shut down for the entire day, consistent with its holiday schedule. The article emphasizes that this closure means no trading activity, no price quotes, and no market orders can be executed on November 11. Investors and traders are advised to plan accordingly, noting that the NYSE’s holiday schedule is published on its official website and is used by all market participants to coordinate trading plans.
The article goes further to explain that the NYSE’s holiday closure is part of a broader U.S. market practice that includes other federal holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. By following the link to the NYSE’s holiday list, readers find a comprehensive calendar that includes all non‑trading days, ensuring they can plan their portfolios and trades with full visibility of market shutdowns.
Community Events and Memorial Services
Beyond the logistical adjustments, the Courier‑Journal’s article highlights the numerous memorial services scheduled across Kentucky and nationally. Veterans Day is a time for communities to honor service members, and the piece includes several local events, such as parades in Lexington, ceremonies at the Kentucky Veterans’ Memorial, and a keynote address by a veteran who served in the Gulf War. The article also lists optional activities for those wishing to observe the holiday quietly, such as visiting the National Veterans Museum or attending a local church service dedicated to veterans.
The article notes that many schools and universities will hold special assemblies or moments of silence, and that the state’s Department of Education will provide guidance to schools on how to incorporate Veterans Day into their curricula. The link to the Department of Education’s holiday guidelines confirms that schools are encouraged to hold a “Day of Reflection” rather than cancel classes outright, fostering educational opportunities while honoring the holiday’s significance.
Practical Advice for Residents
To help residents navigate the holiday, the Courier‑Journal offers practical tips. For banking needs, schedule transactions for the morning of November 11 before the 2:00 p.m. early‑close. For mail, send packages at least one business day prior to ensure delivery before the post office closure. For investors, review the NYSE holiday schedule ahead of time and consider closing positions early or setting up automatic stops to protect portfolios. For those attending memorial services, consider arranging transportation in advance, as public transit may run on reduced schedules during the holiday.
The article also encourages people to support veterans by volunteering at local shelters or donating to veteran charities. It highlights a local nonprofit, “Veterans Helping Veterans,” which will run a food drive on Veterans Day, and encourages readers to contribute.
Summary
Veterans Day 2025 will bring a mixture of reflection, remembrance, and operational changes. Federal agencies, state offices, banks, post offices, and the stock market will observe closures or early closes. Community events across Kentucky and beyond will celebrate the service and sacrifice of veterans. By following the links to official sources—Department of Labor, Federal Reserve, USPS, NYSE, and Department of Education—residents can plan effectively, ensuring they can meet their financial, postal, and personal needs while honoring the holiday’s significance. The Courier‑Journal’s detailed coverage equips readers with both the practical information and the cultural context needed to navigate Veterans Day 2025.
Read the Full The Courier-Journal Article at:
[ https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/11/10/veterans-day-2025-federal-holiday-november-11-openings-closings-banks-post-office-stock-market/87192721007/ ]