Are Post Offices Closed on Veterans Day?

0
51
are post offices closed on Veterans Day
are post offices closed on Veterans Day

As Veterans Day approaches, many Americans are asking a familiar question: are post offices closed on Veterans Day? The answer is yes — all United States Postal Service (USPS) locations across the country will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2025, in honor of the federal holiday dedicated to celebrating the nation’s military veterans.

This closure affects not only in-person post office operations but also regular mail delivery and collection services. Veterans Day is one of the few occasions each year when the USPS pauses its standard operations to recognize those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.


USPS Schedule for Veterans Day 2025

Veterans Day is among the 11 federal holidays observed by the U.S. government. On this day, USPS employees—many of whom are veterans themselves—join the nation in paying tribute to military service members.

Here’s what the post office schedule will look like for Veterans Day 2025:

  • Post Offices: All retail post office locations will be closed on Monday, November 11.
  • Mail Delivery: There will be no regular mail delivery on this day.
  • Package Pickups: Regular package pickup services will not operate.
  • Blue Collection Boxes: Mail deposited in blue boxes will not be collected until the next business day, Tuesday, November 12.
  • Priority Mail Express: This is the only USPS service that continues to operate on Veterans Day for urgent deliveries.

The next normal mail and delivery day after the holiday will be Tuesday, November 12, 2025, when all operations resume.


Why the USPS Closes on Veterans Day

The United States Postal Service is a federal agency, and its schedule follows the federal government’s official holiday calendar. Since Veterans Day is a national holiday honoring the service of U.S. military veterans, the USPS closes its offices to give employees the opportunity to commemorate the occasion.

Many USPS employees are veterans themselves, and the organization has a long-standing tradition of honoring its military workforce. According to postal data, tens of thousands of postal workers have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, making this day especially meaningful for the agency and its staff.


Alternative Delivery Services on Veterans Day

If you need to ship or receive packages on Veterans Day, some private carriers will still be operating.

CarrierStatus on Veterans Day (Nov 11, 2025)
USPSClosed (no standard mail delivery)
UPSOpen (pickup and delivery as usual)
FedExOpen (FedEx Express and Ground operational)
Amazon DeliveryOperating in most areas

It’s important to note that while UPS and FedEx typically continue service, local franchise locations or stores inside malls might have shortened hours. Checking in advance with your nearest location is always wise.


What to Expect for Mail Delivery and Packages

If you’re waiting on important mail or packages around the holiday weekend, plan accordingly. Mail dropped off on Saturday, November 8 or later may not move through the system until Tuesday, November 12, due to the Sunday non-delivery schedule and the Monday holiday closure.

To avoid delays:

  • Send important letters and packages by Friday, November 7, 2025.
  • Use Priority Mail Express for urgent shipments.
  • Utilize USPS.com to print shipping labels and track deliveries online during the closure.

Even though physical post offices are closed, the USPS website and self-service kiosks remain available 24/7 for purchasing postage and managing shipments.


Why Veterans Day Is a Federal Holiday

Veterans Day was established to honor the service and sacrifices of all U.S. military veterans — both living and deceased. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was created to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day to recognize all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Since then, the day has been observed each year on November 11.

As a federal holiday, Veterans Day means:

  • Federal offices and agencies, including USPS, are closed.
  • Public schools and most banks are also closed.
  • Some state and local governments suspend operations for the day.

The decision to close post offices aligns with the nation’s effort to show respect for the millions of veterans who have defended freedom and democracy.


How Veterans Day 2025 Will Be Observed Nationwide

In 2025, Veterans Day falls on a Monday, giving many Americans a three-day weekend. Across the country, communities are preparing special events to honor veterans and active-duty service members.

National Observances Include:

  • Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery: A solemn tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended by senior military leaders and the President.
  • Veterans Day Parades: Major parades will take place in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and San Diego, drawing thousands of spectators.
  • Local Events: Communities nationwide will hold flag ceremonies, school assemblies, and moments of silence to honor veterans.

Even though post offices are closed, the spirit of the day continues to unite Americans through gratitude and remembrance.


The USPS Connection to Veterans

The connection between the U.S. Postal Service and veterans runs deep. Many veterans find careers with USPS after completing their military service, drawn by the structure, discipline, and mission-driven environment.

USPS programs actively recruit veterans through partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations. The agency regularly participates in career fairs, veteran mentorship initiatives, and national recognition events during the Veterans Day season.

For the USPS, closing its offices on Veterans Day isn’t just compliance with a federal schedule — it’s a gesture of respect toward its own workforce and the larger veteran community it serves.


Other Federal Holidays When Post Offices Close

In addition to Veterans Day, post offices also close on the following federal holidays each year:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
  • Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (First Monday in September)
  • Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

Understanding this schedule helps customers plan mailings and shipments around holidays that affect postal operations.


How to Plan Ahead for the Holiday

Since USPS offices will be closed, a little preparation can ensure your mail doesn’t get stuck in transit.

Helpful Tips:

  • Mail early: Ship important documents or packages before the weekend.
  • Track online: Use USPS tracking to stay updated on delivery progress.
  • Avoid last-minute drop-offs: Anything dropped after the last pickup on November 8 won’t move until November 12.
  • Plan business mailings ahead: Companies that rely on invoice or payment mail should adjust mailing dates in advance.

With a bit of foresight, you can easily avoid any disruption caused by the Veterans Day closure.


Conclusion

So, are post offices closed on Veterans Day? Yes, all USPS locations will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2025, in observance of the federal holiday honoring America’s veterans.

While mail services pause for the day, it’s an important moment to reflect on the dedication, sacrifice, and courage of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Take a moment this Veterans Day to thank a veteran, attend a community event, or proudly display the American flag in their honor.