The U.S. Postal Service is gearing up for a nationwide pause that affects millions. On Tuesday, November 11, all USPS locations across the country will close for Veterans Day, a significant federal holiday honoring the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. If you rely on postal services, planning ahead is now more important than ever.
Why USPS is Closing on Veterans Day
This year, as every year, the U.S. Postal Service will observe Veterans Day by closing all of its retail locations and pausing regular mail delivery on November 11. This gesture recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of U.S. military veterans, highlighting the nation’s respect for those who have served.
Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner emphasized the day’s importance, stating, “On this important day we honor the military veterans who have served our nation.” He also acknowledged that the Postal Service is “proud to be one of the largest civilian employers of America’s veterans.” Steiner’s words highlight how veterans’ unique skills and commitment continue to enrich the USPS workforce and strengthen its connection with communities nationwide.
What Services Will Be Available During the Closure?
Though all USPS retail locations will be closed on Veterans Day, there will be some limited services. Notably, only Priority Mail Express deliveries will continue. Regular mail delivery and standard retail services will resume on Wednesday, November 12.
For those needing access to postal products and services during the closure, USPS offers more than 2,600 self-service kiosks available 24/7 at select Post Office lobbies nationwide. These kiosks provide important functions, including:
– Printing postage for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international shipping
– Stamps available for purchase
– Package weighing and mailing services
– Access to package tracking information
You can also check the Postal Locator online to view updated holiday hours by specific location.
The History and Significance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day, which first marked the anniversary of World War I’s end on November 11, 1919. However, the holiday evolved significantly in 1954 when the U.S. Congress amended the law to change the name to Veterans Day. This change expanded the holiday’s scope to honor all U.S. military veterans, rather than solely those who participated in World War I.
It’s important to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day, another military-related holiday observed in May. Memorial Day specifically honors the memory of those who have died in military service, whereas Veterans Day honors all veterans, living or deceased, who have served the country.
Planning Ahead: What You Need to Know
With this USPS closure looming, staying informed helps avoid disruptions, especially if you rely on postal services for business or personal needs. Experts recommend mailing important items well before November 11 or opting for Priority Mail Express if timing is tight. This service remains operational during the holiday, ensuring critical deliveries are not delayed.
According to the U.S. Postal Service’s official Veterans Day announcement, “only Priority Mail Express will be delivered that day, and regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 12.” This underlines the need for careful shipping and receiving plans around this date.
For those interested in learning more about Veterans Day and its ongoing impact, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive insights on the holiday’s meaning and history. Additionally, to better visualize how USPS manages holiday service schedules, here is a detailed video from the official USPS YouTube channel explaining holiday closures and services:
Why Veterans’ Contributions Matter to USPS
The Postal Service prides itself on being a major employer of veterans. Veterans bring a level of discipline, dedication, and a service-oriented mindset essential to USPS operations. This connection underscores the importance of pausing operations on Veterans Day—a day of respect, reflection, and gratitude.
As David Steiner explained, “Their dedication, discipline and commitment to service enrich our organization and strengthen our connection to the communities we serve.” This acknowledgment from the highest level of USPS leadership demonstrates the organization’s authenticity and respect for its veteran workforce.
Furthermore, a 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that veterans remain a vital part of the American workforce, and federal agencies like USPS set an example by actively employing them. This data reinforces the idea that honoring veterans through actions like day closures is both symbolic and practical.
Thinking about how USPS recognizes veterans’ contributions in its workplace helps individuals understand why postal services observe this holiday so faithfully.
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Have you already adjusted your mail plans for Veterans Day? How do you think USPS could improve communication or services around such federal holidays? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you found this helpful, please share this article with family and friends to help them plan ahead too.