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- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Veterans Day 2026: Honoring Service and Observing Traditions
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, pays tribute to Americans who have served in the U.S. military. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was first celebrated nationwide in 1919 after former President Woodrow Wilson’s proclamation. Congress recognized it as a federal holiday in 1926. In 2026, Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday, prompting changes to regular business hours among retailers, service providers, and financial institutions.
Major Grocery Stores Open on Veterans Day
If you plan to shop for groceries on Veterans Day, most major chains will welcome customers. Stores remaining open include Aldi, Food Lion, Publix, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. Walgreens and CVS will also be open, though some CVS pharmacies may reduce their hours. As practices can vary between locations, checking ahead with your local store is recommended.
Big-Box Retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco
- Walmart: Stores are set to operate during regular hours, allowing shoppers access as usual. (veterans day walmart open)
- Target: Target outlets will remain open for normal business hours on Wednesday. (target veterans day)
- Costco: The wholesale retailer will observe standard operating hours according to its holiday schedule. (costco veterans day)
Bank Closures on Veterans Day
As Veterans Day is a federal holiday, major banks including Bank of America, Chase, and TD Bank will be closed. The Federal Reserve’s recognition of the holiday requires branches to close, though customers have access to ATMs and online banking services. According to Bank of America, transaction processing times may be delayed due to the holiday. (veterans day bank closures)
Post Office and Mail Services
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will close all post offices on Veterans Day, with no mail delivery available. Retail and mailing services will resume the following day, Thursday, November 12. (veterans day post office)
The Stock Market and Veterans Day
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain open on Veterans Day, as the holiday is not among market closures. The next market holiday will be Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26. (veterans day stock market)
Special Veterans Day Deals and Discounts
Many retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants are offering special deals and complimentary items to veterans and active duty service members on Veterans Day 2026. Participants will need to show military identification. (veterans day deals, veterans day grocery stores, veterans day restaurants)
- Applebee's: Complimentary full-size entree for military and veterans
- Chili's: Free meal for veterans and active military
- Chipotle: Free chips with choice of guacamole, queso blanco, or salsa with a $5 purchase
- Dave and Buster's: Unlimited game play and/or free dessert with qualifying entree
- IHOP: Free breakfast meal including pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage
- Food Lion: 10% discount for veterans and active military
- Publix: 10% discount for veterans, military, and families
- Shake Shack: Free ShackBurger for military and veterans
- Starbucks: Free hot or iced coffee for veterans, military spouses, and active members (in-person or drive-thru orders)
- Wendy's: Free Dave's Single quarter-pound cheeseburger for veterans and active military
Additional deals may be available, as listed on the American Legion’s website.
Plan Ahead for Veterans Day 2026
With many retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants open and offering special promotions, and with financial institutions and government offices closed, planning ahead is essential for errands or celebrations on Veterans Day 2026.
Source: cbsnews.com.
