This Saturday is Veterans Day. Like every November 11th, the United States will commemorate Americans who served or serve in the Armed Forces with prayers, parades and special events all around the country.
To all our troops, veterans, and military families on this Veterans Day weekend: Thank you for all that you have given to keep America safe. You have our deepest gratitude and our everlasting commitment to continue to uphold the values that you defended. pic.twitter.com/ejsfu9CwQc
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 10, 2023
A day like today...
In 1918, on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m., Germany and the Allied powers reached an armistice, which seven months later resulted in the Treaty of Versailles that marked the end of World War I.
The following year, President Wilson celebrated Armistice Day for the first time, which would take two decades to become, by law, one of the 11 federal holidays.
"On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain," proclaimed Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. That was the first year that "Armistice Day" was changed to "Veterans Day" to commemorate those who fought in World War II as well as all other battles served on behalf of the United States.
Now therefore I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day.
What will be closed?
Some banks such as Wells Fargo, HSBC and Bank of America will be closed on Saturday. Others such as Capital One and Citibank will be open during normal hours. However, banks' ATMs and digital services will operate normally.
The Postal Office will be mostly closed on Saturday. In a statement, the federal agency reported that although "there will be no regular mail service, Priority Mail Express is delivered 365 days a year and will be delivered on November 11." UPS and most FedEx services will also be operational.
Most businesses will open during normal hours. In all cases, it is recommended to check opening hours case by case on each business' website.
Veteran discounts
There is a wide range of discounts for veterans, active military members and their families this Veterans Day. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on what your favorite stores or businesses offer.
Target, for example, will give a 10% discount to active military and veterans and their families. Walmart will hold a free concert. There will also be free food and drinks: IHOP will offer free pancakes, while Dunkin Donuts will give away donuts and Starbucks will give veterans free coffee.
The Military Wallet website has an extensive list of discounts (it is recommended to visit individual websites to confirm).
Don't miss these deals this Veteran's Day weekend! 👇https://t.co/6ChGHrlbP2
— National Military Family Association (@military_family) November 10, 2023
