Veterans Day 2018

 

Armistice Day Becomes Veterans Day

World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.

In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Tomb of the Unknowns

Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns.

To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.

At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday began as away to celebrate the lives of those who died. Armistice Day was celebrated on November 11, the day the Armistice that ended World War I was signed.

Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans.

While Veterans Day 2018 falls on Sunday, Nov. 11, the holiday is observed on Monday, Nov. 12, meaning many institutions will be closed.

Here is everything that is open and closed on Veterans Day 2018:

The Stock Market

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are still open on Veterans Day. The bond market will close on Monday to observe the holiday.

Banks

Veterans Day is a bank holiday, so most banks are closed. Banks like TD Bank that have Sunday hours will remain open on Sunday, but will close on Monday.

Businesses and Offices

Many workplaces—but not all—do close for the day, but individual companies vary.

Restaurants

Many restaurants offer free meals and deals to veterans. Here is a list of participating restaurants for Veterans Day 2018.

Schools

Most schools are closed for Veterans Day, but they do have the option of remaining open.

Mail and Post Offices

Since it is a federal holiday, there is no mail on Veterans Day and post offices are closed on Monday. However, UPS and Fedex stores will remain open for delivery and pickup.

Courts

Courts are closed on Veterans Day.

Libraries

Most libraries will remain open on Sunday, Nov. 11, but will shut down on Monday, Nov. 12.

National Parks

Not only are America’s national parks open on Veterans Day, but Veterans Day is one of four days each year that they offer free admission.

State, Federal, and County Offices

Government offices are closed for the federal holiday.