What is Veteran’s Day? Here’s a quick explainer
A brief summary on Veteran’s Day, including the history and the reason behind the federal holiday’s observance.
(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)
Veterans Day 2025 is almost here, meaning Ohioans may see changes in bank hours, post office delivery and state services on Nov. 11.
The Nov. 11 day of remembrance, first known as “Armistice Day,” marked the day in 1918 that fighting ceased in World War I. Veterans Day honors all veterans, both living and dead, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Do workers get the day off on Veterans Day 2025? Is it a federal holiday? Here’s what to know about closures, service operations and observances on the holiday.
When is Veterans Day 2025? Is it a federal holiday?
Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. The holiday is observed annually on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week. It is one of 11 federal holidays observed in 2025.
Thanksgiving is the next federal holiday, which takes place on Thursday, Nov. 27. Christmas Day is also federally recognized on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
Federal, state workers in Ohio will have a day off on Veterans Day
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, federal offices will be closed, and most federal workers are entitled to holiday time off.
Additionally, most state offices in Ohio will be closed or may have limited services since the state also recognizes federal holidays.
Will mail be delivered on Veterans Day? Is the post office open?
According to the U.S. Postal Service, post offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, so you will not receive your regular mail or packages that day.
However, other pickup and delivery services such as FedEx and UPS will operate on regular schedules.
Will banks be open on Veterans Day?
No. Federal banks and their branches will be closed, as banks follow the federal holiday schedule as well.
Bank ATMs and digital banking features will still be available.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market will remain open under their normal hours on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Here are the NYSE holiday hours for the rest of the year. Nasdaq follows the same hours:
- Thanksgiving Day: Closed (closes 1 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28, 2025 — the day after Thanksgiving)
- Christmas Day: Closed (closes at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 24, 2025)
Both markets will also be closed on New Year’s Day.
Is there garbage pickup on Veterans Day 2025?
Columbus’ city website and Cincinnati’s government web page both provide a trash and recycling calendar showing Veterans Day as a holiday, meaning that trash will not be collected on that day.
Akron’s garbage pickup is scheduled to continue on Nov. 11, but check your local service for your holiday schedule on Veterans Day. Canton’s government website also lists Veterans Day as a normal pickup day.
Will schools be open on Veterans Day?
School closures vary by state and school district. Check your local school district’s website for school closures.
Are restaurants, stores open on Veterans Day?
Most restaurants and retailers will remain open, though some may modify their hours. Check with local businesses for details.
Why is Veterans Day observed on Nov. 11?
Why do we honor our veterans and active military members on Nov. 11? During World War I, the armistice signed between the Allied powers and Germany occurred on Nov. 11, 1918, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The purpose of the day is to be a “celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” the Department of Veterans Affairs writes.
