Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The federal holiday dates back to WWI, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of Nov. 11, 1918, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The date is generally regarded as the end of "the way to end all wars."
While Veterans Day always falls on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week the date is in a given year, the observance of the day is shifted if Nov. 11 is on a weekend.
In 2023, for example, Veterans Day fell on a Saturday so many observations took place the day before on Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following day on Monday.
Here's what to know about what's open and closed for the holiday:
Is the post office open on Veterans Day?
The U.S. Postal Service will be closed on Nov. 11, and there will be no mail deliveries.
Will I receive my UPS or FedEx package?
Yes, UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services will operate as usual and their store locations will be closed, according to the companies' websites.
Will banks be open on Veterans Day?
Since most financial institutions follow the Fed's holiday schedule, the vast majority of banks are expected to be closed on Tuesday.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Yes. The stock market will be open on Veterans Day. The bond markets, however, will be closed.
Are government offices closed on Veterans Day?
All federal agencies will be closed on Tuesday, including the DMV and Social Security Administration.
City of San Diego administrative offices and other services will also be closed for the holiday. All county public health clinics will be closed Tuesday and will resume normal business hours Wednesday.
Are schools closed on Veterans Day in San Diego County?
Yes, all public schools in San Diego County are required to close on Tuesday since Veterans Day is a mandatory school holiday in the state of California.
Will San Diego County parks be open on Veterans Day?
County parks, campgrounds and neighborhood day-use parks remain open, however, the following locations will be closed Tuesday:
- Fallbrook Community Center
- Lakeside Community Center
- Spring Valley Community Center
- Spring Valley Gymnasium
- 4S Ranch Recreation Office only (all parks will be open)
- Valley Center Community Hall
- Adams Park Pool
- Community Teen Centers
Camping reservations can always be made online at the county's Online Camping Reservations web page, but the Department of Parks and Recreation's reservation phone line will not be staffed during the holiday.
Are libraries in San Diego County closed on Veterans Day?
Yes, all libraries, public swimming pools and recreation centers will be closed, as well as public buildings in Balboa Park, theBarrett, Hodges, Murray, Lower Otay, San Vicente, Sutherland and Upper Otay reservoirs, Tecolote Canyon Nature Center, Parks and Recreation Department offices and most in-person services.
What happens to San Diego trash services on Veterans Day?
Curbside trash, recyclables and organic waste will be collected as scheduled.
Other services and locations will remain open on Tuesday, including Miramar Landfill, Greenery, Recycling Center and Mattress Collection site, the El Capitan and Miramar reservoirs, Chollas Lake, city golf courses, Mission Trails Regional Park, city skate parks and plazas and off-leash dog parks.
Are law enforcement services available on Veterans Day in San Diego?
Yes, law enforcement, emergency animal control response, and other essential services will continue through the holiday.
What to know about parking in the city of San Diego on Veterans Day
Parking meters, time restrictions for parking on streets, yellow zones and posted street sweeping routes will not be enforced in the city of San Diego. All other parking violations will be enforced.
Family resource centers and animal shelters will also be closed Tuesday.