Veterans Day, originally Armistice Day, honors U.S. veterans but this year faces significant disruption due to a government shutdown, leading to canceled celebrations, federal worker absences, and widespread air travel delays.
Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, originated over a century ago as Armistice Day, celebrating the end of World War I in 1918. It was first marked in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson and became a federal holiday in 1938, evolving to recognize all U.S. veterans and active service members. This year, the holiday is heavily impacted by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Many Veterans Day celebrations have been canceled, and while federal employees and postal workers have the day off, most are already not reporting to work due to the shutdown. Government offices, post offices, courts, the bond market, and most banks are closed. However, U.S. stock markets remain open, and most major retailers like Walmart and Target are operating with promotional sales. Public and private schools vary, with some closing and others remaining open. Critically, air travel is severely affected, with thousands of flights canceled due to unpaid air traffic controllers stopping work. Although the Senate has begun steps to end the shutdown, a full return to normal flight schedules is expected to take time even after the government reopens.
