As Americans prepare to honor those who have served the country, one practical question comes up every November — are post offices closed on Veterans Day? The answer is yes. All United States Postal Service (USPS) offices across the nation will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.
This annual federal holiday pays tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and like other national holidays, federal offices—including post offices—pause operations to commemorate it.
Understanding Veterans Day: Why It Matters
Veterans Day is not just another day off or a long weekend—it’s a day steeped in deep historical significance. The holiday was first established to mark the end of World War I, when the armistice between Allied nations and Germany took effect on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance was meant to celebrate peace and honor those who fought in “the war to end all wars.” However, after World War II and the Korean War, the United States expanded its recognition to include all military veterans, not just those from the First World War.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day, ensuring it honored every American who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Today, it stands as a day of gratitude — a time to thank living veterans for their service and recognize their sacrifices.
USPS and Federal Holiday Observance
Since the United States Postal Service is a federal agency, it observes all 11 national holidays each year. On these days, post offices close their retail counters, and mail delivery services pause, with limited exceptions.
So, for anyone wondering are post offices closed on Veterans Day, the answer is a definite yes — every USPS location will be closed nationwide on November 11, 2025.
This includes:
- All retail post office counters (closed)
- Regular mail delivery and pickup (suspended)
- Package pickups (unavailable)
- Blue collection box pickups (no collection until the next business day)
The only USPS service that continues to operate on Veterans Day is Priority Mail Express, which guarantees delivery even on holidays.
Normal post office hours and mail services will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
What the USPS Closure Means for You
If you’re planning to send or receive mail around Veterans Day, here’s how the closure might affect your schedule:
- Mail Delivery: There will be no regular mail or package deliveries on Tuesday, November 11.
- Mail Collection: USPS will not collect mail from blue drop boxes or businesses.
- Incoming Packages: Expect a one-day delay on shipments that were in transit before the holiday.
- Retail Services: All in-person post office services, including passport processing, PO Box rentals, and money orders, will be unavailable.
- Online Services: USPS.com and the USPS mobile app remain operational for purchasing postage, printing shipping labels, and tracking packages.
If you’re waiting on an important delivery, it’s wise to plan ahead. Mail or packages sent over the weekend or on Monday, November 10, may not move through the system until operations resume.
Delivery Alternatives: UPS, FedEx, and Amazon
While USPS observes the federal holiday, private carriers have different operating policies.
| Carrier | Status on Veterans Day (Nov 11, 2025) |
|---|---|
| USPS | Closed (no mail or retail service) |
| UPS | Open (pickup and delivery as usual) |
| FedEx | Open (Express, Ground, and Home Delivery operational) |
| Amazon Delivery | Open in most service areas |
Both UPS and FedEx continue regular operations on Veterans Day, though local independently owned locations may set modified hours. Amazon also maintains delivery schedules, ensuring packages reach customers even when USPS is paused.
If you must send something urgent on Veterans Day, these carriers offer reliable alternatives.
Why USPS Honors Veterans Day Closures
The closure of post offices on Veterans Day is more than a scheduling convenience — it’s a national gesture of respect.
The U.S. Postal Service has a long and proud relationship with the military community. Thousands of postal employees are veterans themselves, and the organization is one of the largest employers of military veterans in the country.
According to USPS workforce data, more than 97,000 postal employees have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many of them bring military discipline, integrity, and leadership to their civilian roles within the Postal Service.
By observing Veterans Day as a holiday, USPS allows these employees to celebrate and reflect on their service, and gives the nation an opportunity to thank them for their contributions both in uniform and in public service.
What Else Closes on Veterans Day
In addition to post offices, several other institutions will also close in observance of Veterans Day. These include:
- Federal government offices (except essential operations)
- Most banks and credit unions (ATM and online services remain available)
- Courthouses and local government offices
- Public schools (many close for the day or hold special programs)
- Libraries and community centers (varies by location)
However, most retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores remain open, with many offering Veterans Day discounts and free meals to active-duty and retired military personnel.
Veterans Day Events Across the Country
While post offices will be closed, communities nationwide will be open in spirit, celebrating and honoring veterans through parades, ceremonies, and gatherings.
Major National Observances Include:
- Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia: The official National Veterans Day Observance includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended by military leaders and government officials.
- New York City Veterans Day Parade: The largest Veterans Day parade in the country, featuring thousands of veterans, marching bands, and floats.
- Chicago’s Veterans Day Ceremony: A long-standing tradition that brings together local veterans’ organizations and city leaders.
- San Diego and Dallas Parades: Large regional celebrations honoring veterans from all branches of the military.
Across small towns and big cities alike, schools, churches, and civic groups host their own tributes, ensuring that Veterans Day remains a collective act of gratitude.
How to Prepare for Post Office Closures
If you depend on mail delivery for bills, prescriptions, or business shipments, a little preparation can help avoid inconvenience.
Here’s how to plan ahead:
- Send mail early: Aim to mail items by Friday, November 7, to ensure arrival before the long weekend.
- Check pickup times: Mail dropped in blue boxes after the final collection time on November 8 will not move until November 12.
- Use online tools: USPS.com allows you to track packages, schedule deliveries, and print shipping labels, even while post offices are closed.
- Plan payments in advance: If you pay bills by mail, send them out a few days early to avoid late fees.
- Inform recipients: If you’re sending something time-sensitive, let the recipient know there will be a one-day postal delay.
By following these steps, you can avoid disruption and make sure your mail reaches its destination without delay.
A Day of Reflection and Appreciation
While the question are post offices closed on Veterans Day has a simple answer, the reason behind it carries immense meaning. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a chance for Americans to express gratitude to those who have served in defense of freedom.
From the first Marines at Tun Tavern in 1775 to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and guardians of today, every veteran has contributed to the country’s safety and strength. The Postal Service, deeply connected to the military community, joins this national pause to honor those sacrifices.
So when you see the closed doors of your local post office on November 11, remember that the pause is one of respect—for the men and women whose service continues to protect the values we hold dear.
Looking Beyond Veterans Day
The next USPS holiday closure after Veterans Day will be Thanksgiving Day, observed on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Like Veterans Day, mail delivery will resume the following day, except where local offices remain closed for extended weekends.
Understanding the USPS holiday schedule helps customers plan for the year’s remaining dates. Post offices also close on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).
Being aware of these schedules ensures you can plan shipments efficiently without being caught off guard by a federal holiday.
Conclusion
So, are post offices closed on Veterans Day? Yes — all USPS offices nationwide will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of this important federal holiday.
While mail delivery and retail services will pause for a day, the closure serves as a national gesture of appreciation for the millions of veterans who have worn the uniform with pride and courage.
Take a moment this Veterans Day to thank a veteran, fly the American flag, or attend a local parade — because honoring those who served is the true purpose of the day.