Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. The holiday was first celebrated in 1919 under President Woodrow Wilson and was officially recognized by Congress as a federal holiday in 1938. It has since evolved into a day honoring all U.S. veterans of various wars and those currently serving in the military.
This year, Veterans Day falls amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has affected many celebrations and observances planned for the day. Federal government employees and U.S. postal workers have the day off, but most are currently not reporting to work due to the ongoing shutdown. As a result, a number of Veterans Day events have been canceled, further limiting the opportunities to honor those who have served in the military.
On this day, government offices, post offices, and courts remain closed. Many public and private schools operate as usual, although some choose to observe the holiday by closing. In terms of financial institutions, U.S. stock markets continue to operate normally, while the bond market and most banks will be closed for the day.
Retailers are capitalizing on the holiday, with major chains such as Walmart, Home Depot, and Target remaining open and offering promotional sales to attract customers. However, specific operating hours vary by location, so patrons are advised to check ahead before visiting.
Despite Veterans Day not typically being known as a major travel day, this year’s airlines face significant disruptions due to the government shutdown. Reports indicate that over 1,500 flights were canceled on Saturday and more than 2,900 on Sunday, primarily due to compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive. Air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone unpaid for nearly a month amid the shutdown, have begun to stop showing up for work, further exacerbating travel plans for many.
As of early Monday, airlines had already canceled nearly 1,600 flights for that day and approximately 1,000 for the following Tuesday. While the Senate has taken steps toward potentially ending the shutdown, the passage of a final agreement could still take several days. Experts caution that even if the government reopens, it will take time for airline schedules and operations to return to normal.
In conclusion, Veterans Day is not only a time to honor those who have served in the military but is also significantly impacted this year by the ongoing government shutdown, affecting federal operations, celebrations, and travel plans for many Americans.
