When is Veterans Day 2024? What to know – NBC Chicago

Veterans Day is approaching in 2024, and while many banks and government offices are closed for the federal holiday, some schools may be open.

This year, the federal holiday Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11. According to officials, the holiday takes place on November 11 every year, regardless of which day of the week it falls on.

In 2023, the holiday fell on a Saturday, with many sightings occurring the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is held on Monday.

As the holiday approaches, here’s what you need to know about Veteran’s Day in Illinois

When and what is Veterans Day?

The day, which honors living veterans who served in the military, dates back to 1919.

The holiday grew out of the celebration of Armistice Day, the That’s what the Department of Veterans Affairs sayswhen the fighting between the Allies and Germany ended at the 11th hour on 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 inaugurated first celebration in 1919with parades and a short break in business starting at 11 a.m

USPS, schools, banks: What’s open and closed on Veterans Day

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

Similarly, many banks will be closed along with federal courts and non-essential government offices.

In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and others The offices of the Secretary of State will be closed.

According to Illinois State Board of EducationVeterans Day is not considered a “legal school holiday”. However, the board states that the districts can choose to celebrate it. In these cases, the district considers it a “Not Present” day, meaning “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.

Other “Not Present” days, the board says, include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day.

According to Chicago Public Schools 2024-25 CalendarVeterans Day is not observed as a public holiday.

National parks free on Veteran’s Day

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

Veterans Day Deals

A number of businesses offer specials and free meals to honor those who have served the country.

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

Here’s a rundown of freebies and deals running for Veterans Day in the Chicago area:

Starbucks

Free high brew coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses

Applebee’s

Veterans and active military members can receive a free admission from a special menu Monday at Applebee’s.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

Free bowl with military ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings

All former and current service members with valid ID can get 10 free boneless wings and fries.

Chillies

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

Dunkin’

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

IHOP

The Pancake House will thank veterans and active military members with a free stack from 7 to 19 Monday.

Starbucks

The coffee chain will offer veterans, military members and their spouses a free tall hot brew or iced coffee Monday at participating locations.