Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Lower Hudson Valley means places such as bank branches, posts offices and government buildings are closed.
It also means events such as the Veterans Days Parade in New York City that stepped off at 11 a.m. to commemorate the day. It’s expected to feature more than 20,000 service members, 25 floats and 280 marching units parading on Fifth Avenue. A live stream is available online at uwvc.org.
The New York parade’s website said this year’s marks the 250th anniversary of the nation’s military, celebrating the start of the three senior service branches: Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
And this year Metro-North is honoring Veterans Days with a locomotive rebrand that recognizes each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The train’s front is wrapped in blue and white with stars to resemble an American flag. Decals for the MTA and Metro-North logos are meant to evoke military uniform patches.
Who is honored on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day honors America’s veterans “for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” the Department of Veterans Affairs website said, according to a report from USA TODAY.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said it honors all who served in honorably in the military, be it during war or in peacetime.
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held Nov. 11th at Arlington National Cemetery, starting at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and words from dignitaries.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day
Veterans Day’s origin dates to Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice ended World War I — at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said.
Originally called Armistice Day, it became a federal holiday in 1938. It became Veterans Day after Congress changed the name in 1954 and President Eisenhower signed it into law.
What is closed on Veterans Day?
But UPS pickup and delivery are available and store locations open, USA TODAY reported. However, UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will need an additional business day’s time in transit.
FedEx pickup and delivery are available and office locations open.
Are stock markets open on Veterans Day?
United States stock markets are open, but the bond market is closed, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association said.
Some restaurant chains offer deals for veterans
Applebee’s, Arby’s, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Krispy Kreme, Panera Bread, Red Lobster, and Starbucks are among restaurants chains offering veterans deals on Nov. 11. Most deals require a form of veteran, military or military-dependent identification — such as a Veteran ID Card or DD214 card showing time of service.
Always check with your closest location to confirm participation.
Here’s a more specific look in our region at places that offer deals and freebies for veterans.
Contributing: USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: What’s closed in New York on Veterans Day? What to know about the holiday
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
