All United States Postal Service (USPS) locations will close for a full day, temporarily halting in-person services and most mail delivery operations across the country. The USPS has confirmed that no regular mail or retail services will be available during the closure, though Priority Mail Express will still be delivered. Full operations are scheduled to resume the following day.
The closure affects thousands of post offices and facilities nationwide, requiring residents, businesses, and government agencies to plan mailing and shipping around the interruption. While this kind of pause is not unusual during federal observances, it reinforces the importance of staying informed about service changes that can impact daily operations, especially in a time when logistics and communications are closely tied to mail infrastructure.
Veterans Day Origins and Observance
The reason for the closure is tied to Veterans Day, a federal holiday observed annually on November 11. First established as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was later expanded to honor all U.S. military veterans, not just those from a specific conflict. In 1954, Congress formally renamed it Veterans Day, turning it into a day of national recognition for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors military personnel who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates those who are still alive, whether retired or no longer in uniform. It is a day when both public and private institutions pause to reflect on the contribution of military personnel to national life.
As reported by MLive, the USPS takes this moment seriously, both in symbolic and practical terms.
USPS Acknowledges Its Veteran Workforce
The USPS has used the occasion to highlight its deep connection to the veteran community. A significant portion of its employees are former members of the military, and the agency takes pride in providing stable employment and continued service opportunities to this population.
“On this important day we honor the military veterans who have served our nation,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner.
He further explained the connection between the USPS and its veteran employees:
“The Postal Service is proud to be one of the largest civilian employers of America’s veterans. Their dedication, discipline and commitment to service enrich our organization and strengthen our connection to the communities we serve.”
This approach reflects more than just public relations. The USPS recognizes that veterans bring a wealth of experience, reliability, and service-oriented values that align with the postal service’s mission. Many find that the transition from the military to the USPS allows them to continue working in roles that contribute meaningfully to society.
What Services Are Still Running
Although post offices will close their doors, not everything will come to a halt. More than 2,600 self-service kiosks will remain available to customers during the closure. Located in selected post office lobbies across the country, these kiosks are accessible 24/7, including on holidays.
These machines can:
- Print shipping labels for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international shipments
- Sell stamps
- Weigh and mail packages
- Provide tracking information
The USPS is urging customers to check its online Postal Locator tool to confirm whether a kiosk is available nearby. These automated services offer a way to minimize disruption, especially for small businesses and individuals managing urgent deliveries.
What Customers Should Expect
The one-day suspension in services is relatively short, but it has practical implications. Businesses relying on regular delivery windows will need to adjust schedules. Anyone sending payments, legal documents, or packages tied to deadlines should account for the pause and ship early if possible.
Financial institutions, government offices, and medical providers that still rely on traditional mail may also need to adapt to the delay in postal operations. Only Priority Mail Express, which is guaranteed 365 days a year, will continue during the closure.
The USPS encourages the public to remain aware of such schedule changes, especially as mail services remain essential to both personal and commercial activities across the country.
