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Offices and stores closed on Veterans Day 2024 in Michigan

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Veterans Day is a time to remember all who have served in the U.S. military, past and present.

While Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives in service to the country, Veterans Day honors all who have served this country.

Banks, post offices and many businesses across Michigan will close their doors on Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, to honor the millions of people who have served. Commemorations and ceremonies will take place across the country and around the world.

What is closed on Veterans Day? What is open?

Federal offices and courts: Federal courts and non-essential government offices will be closed Monday for Veterans Day, when the federal holiday is observed. Federal offices include veterans offices, courthouses, social security offices and other locations.

Garbage collection: In some cities, some trash and recycling pickups on Monday may be delayed or rescheduled to another day. Check with your local providers.

Local Government Bodies: The city and district administration offices remain closed.

National parks: In honor of veterans, the national parks will remain open and freely accessible to all visitors on Monday.

Restaurants: Most restaurants remain open and some chains such as Applebee's, Olive Garden and Starbucks are offering free meals or treats to veterans and active military members in recognition of their service.

Schools: Some schools will be closed. Check with your local district.

Supermarkets and retail: Most grocery and retail stores will remain open on Veterans Day. Some stores may have reduced opening hours.

Are banks open on Veterans Day?

While banks are not required to close on holidays designated by the Federal Reserve System, many will remain closed on Monday, including branches of Bank of America, the Federal Reserve Bank and others. Many credit unions also offer personal services. Any banking transactions you make online on a public holiday will not be processed until the next business day.

Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?

Post offices are closed and there will be no regular mail delivery on Monday. However, UPS will continue package delivery and store locations will remain open, with possible minor delays for UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations due to the USPS holiday. FedEx also remains open, with modified service for FedEx Smart Post.

Why is Veterans Day celebrated on November 11th?

The federal holiday on November 11th commemorates the end of the First World War and marks the point in time when Germany and the Allies signed an agreement to end hostilities in 1918. The fighting ended in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, November 11, 1918 was then considered the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In 1919, President Wilson designated November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day to celebrate and observe the cessation of hostilities with parades, public meetings, and a “brief interruption in business.”

Are there US military cemeteries in Michigan?

Michigan has four recognized national cemeteries, one of which is supported by grants from the Veterans Affairs Department.

Fort Custer National Cemetery is located at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, near Battle Creek. It is open every day from morning to evening.

Fort Custer was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a native of Michigan. The original Camp Custer was built in 1917 on 130 lots.

The Fort Custer Post Cemetery was founded on September 18, 1943 with the first burial.

Great Lakes National Cemetery is located at 4200 Belford Road in Holly. It is open from morning to evening.

Great Lakes National Cemetery was the second national cemetery established in Michigan and the 122nd in the national cemetery system.

The property served as farmland until it was acquired by the National Cemetery Administration in 2002.

Lakeside Cemetery Solders Lot is located at 3663 10th Ave. in Port Huron. It is open from morning to evening.

Lakeside Cemetery was founded in 1877 when the city purchased 148 acres from resident John Hoffman. The cemetery once covered 176 hectares, but over time it was reduced to its current size of 96.5 hectares.

One hundred and thirty-five soldiers originally buried at Fort Gratiot were reinterred at the cemetery in 1881.

The Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, is located in Mackinac Island State Park and is open morning to evening.

The Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery is located about a half mile north of Fort Mackinac, near Skull Cave, an American Indian burial site.

The earliest burials in the post cemetery probably date from the mid-1820s.

In 1990, the Department of Veterans Affairs assumed responsibility for maintaining the cemetery through an agreement with the state.

Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery is located at 3000 Monroe NE in Grand Rapids.