This year, Veterans Day falls on Friday, November 11. The federal holiday, which celebrates the sons and daughters of the country who have sworn to uphold the Constitution, is observed nationwide, with many banks, businesses and offices closed.
But what about schools? Is Veterans Day considered a school holiday in Illinois?
While some observe the day, others do not. And therefore the answer depends on which school your child attends.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “legal school holiday.” However, the board indicates that districts can choose to hold it. In those cases, the district considers it a “No Attendance” day, meaning “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”
Non-Attendance Day, says the Board, “is used primarily for breaks throughout the year, as well as district-specific vacations.”
Other non-attendance days, according to the Board, include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day.
According to the 2022-2023 Chicago Public Schools calendar, Veterans Day is not observed as a holiday. However, on Election Day 2022 it was.
But only because Veterans Day is not recognized in Illinois public schools as a “legal school holiday,” even though many other businesses and officials will be closed.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means no mail will be delivered on that day and the United States Postal Service will be closed. Similarly, many banks will be closed, along with federal courts and non-essential government offices.
In Illinois, driver license facilities and other Secretary of State offices will be closed, a press release from the Office of the Secretary of State said.
What will be open, and free to all visitors, are the National Parks. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11),” says the NPS.
Additionally, many businesses will offer free deals and meals on Friday to honor those who have served the country.