The federal holiday of Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11, 2024. The day, which honors living veterans who have served in the military, dates back to 1919.

The holiday arose to commemorate Armistice Day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was supposed to be the end of the “war to end all wars” and always falls on November 11th, no matter what day of the week that date falls on.

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

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

USPS, Schools, Banks: What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day

Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, mail will not be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Monday.

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

In Illinois, driver’s license offices and other Department of State offices are closing.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “statutory school holiday.” However, the board notes that districts can choose to celebrate. In these cases, the district considers this a “non-attendance day,” meaning “no student is engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”

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

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

National Parks Free on Veterans Day

The national parks will be open – and free for all visitors. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting a National Park Service website for free on Veterans Day (November 11),” the NPS says.

Veterans Day Offers

A number of companies offer special deals and free meals to honor those who have served the country.

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

Here’s a roundup of Veterans Day freebies and offers in the Chicago area:

Starbucks

Free large brew coffee for veterans, military members and military spouses

Applebee’s

Veterans and active military members can score a free entry from a special menu at Applebee’s on Monday.

BIBIBOP Asian grill

Free bowl with military ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings

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

Chilies

Chili’s offers service members a free meal for in-restaurant dining. Options include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.

Dunkin’

Veterans and active military members can score a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations on Monday.

IHOP

The Pancake House will thank veterans and active military members with a free stack on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Starbucks

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