Last week, the United States observed Veterans Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all individuals who have served in the U.S. military. Celebrated annually on November 11th, this day serves as an opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have worked to protect the country. Despite its designation as a federal holiday, Veteran’s Day is not universally celebrated. Many schools and businesses remain open.

For example, UIS remained open on Veterans Day, with classes resuming as normal. Other local institutions, such as Lincoln Land Community College, Trinity Lutheran School, and Calvary Academy, also remained open on this day.

Meanwhile, schools like Springfield High School, Springfield Southeast High, and Black Hawk Elementary chose to observe the holiday and were closed. This discrepancy raises an important question: why do some schools, businesses, and government offices close on Veterans Day, while others remain open?

While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, it is not automatically observed by every employer or institution. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, federal government closures are determined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The OPM sets guidelines for federal employees, stating that when a holiday falls on a non-workday (Saturday or Sunday), the federal government is typically closed on the nearest weekday—either the following Monday or the preceding Friday.

However, state and local governments, as well as private businesses, are not required to follow the same guidelines. They have the discretion to decide whether or not to close for the holiday. This is why some schools and businesses observe the day while others do not.

The Department of Veterans Affairs clarifies this distinction by noting, “State and local governments, including schools, are not required to follow OPM closure policies and may determine for themselves whether to close or remain open. Likewise, non-government businesses are free to make their own decisions to close or remain open for business, regardless of federal, state, or local government closings.”

When it comes to schools, the decision to close for Veterans Day often depends on local policies and the specific community’s priorities. Some school districts choose to close in honor of the holiday, while others remain open to avoid disrupting the school year. The decision may also be influenced by factors specific to certain regions, such as the presence of military families or veterans within the community.

Schools in areas with a large veteran presence may be more likely to observe the holiday and close for the day as a sign of respect and appreciation. Conversely, other districts may choose to remain open to ensure that students do not miss necessary lessons. Additionally, some schools may incorporate the observance of Veterans Day into the curriculum, using the day to teach students about the history of the holiday and the sacrifices made by veterans.

The decision to close or remain open on Veterans Day is made at the local level, with each school district weighing the benefits of closure against the potential educational impact.

In private entities, the decision to grant employees time off on Veterans Day typically lies with the discretion of individual companies. Unlike public jobs, private businesses are not required to close for national holidays. Employers in the private sector may choose to observe Veterans Day, but this is often based on a combination of factors, including company values, employee benefits, and the demand for services.

For example, many businesses in the service industry, such as retail stores, restaurants, and customer facing jobs, choose to remain open on Veterans Day. These industries often operate seven days a week, and closing for a holiday could create a loss of profit.

Other businesses may choose to give their employees the day off to observe the holiday. For these employers, honoring Veterans Day can be a way to show appreciation for both their workforce and the nation’s veterans.

Ultimately, there is no set rule or formula for whether people get the day off on Veterans Day. It is a matter of local preference, business needs, and cultural significance. Federal guidelines ensure that government offices and some businesses close, but aside from that, decisions are made by individual organizations. While the holiday is meant to honor and appreciate military veterans, the way it is observed can vary significantly depending on where you live and work.

                                                                                          Works Cited

Marca. (2024, November 17). Veterans Day 2024: Why some businesses and schools are closed while others are open. Marca. November 14, 2024, https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/2024/11/17/67392aa0ca47416f228b4583.html

United American Patriots. 7 interesting Veterans Day facts. United American Patriots. November 15, 2024, from https://www.uap.org/post/7-interesting-veterans-day-facts/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAouG5BhDBARIsAOc08RSpjjBu66P5L_Dd6ibhc7y3oIJaiAYoUa5Z_d6XKzccFCy_yT5inTgaAjz5EALw_wcB

U.S. Office of Personnel Management. (n.d.). Disabled veteran leave. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/disabled-veteran-leave/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Veterans Day – November 11th. https://www.va.gov/