Veteran's Day 2012: When is it, observance, what's open

Veteran's Day 2012 is Sunday, November 11, 2012. This year, as it falls on a Sunday, it will be observed by most businesses on Monday, November 12.

While much of the world will be celebrating Remembrance Day this Sunday, November 11, the US will observe Veterans Day. At first, the holiday was known as Armistice Day and was meant to honor First World War veterans. Over time, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day and focused on honoring all those who have served in the US military, in both times of war and peace.

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

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November 11th is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is officially observed on November 11. However, if it falls on a week day, many communities hold their celebrations on the weekend closest to this date. This is to enable more people to attend and participate in the events. Federal Government offices are closed on November 11. If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, they are closed on Friday November 10. If Veterans Day falls on a Sunday, they are closed on Monday November 12. State and local governments, schools and non-governmental businesses are not required to close and may decide to remain open or closed. Public transit systems may follow a regular or holiday schedule.

What is open/closed on Veteran's Day or Monday, November 12, 2012?

Federal employees are given day off on November 11 and many federal facilities, such as the post office, will be closed. Many public schools will be closed, but not all. To find out more about school closings, contact your local school district. Most retail stores will remain open on Veterans Day.

Here’s a look at what will be open and closed today in observance of Veterans Day:

Closed

• Courts and banks are closed.
• The post office does not run. However, UPS Express Critical does run on Veteran's Day
• The FedEx Office holiday schedule varies by location. Check with your local FedEx Office, if necessary, to get the most up-to-date information about holidays observed by your local FedEx Office. 
  
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Open

• Garbage: Regular service.
• Liquor: State liquor stores are open regular hours.