Is the stock market open on Memorial Day? Does the post office deliver mail?

By Charles Passy

It will be a busy holiday weekend, with some 43.8 million Americans hitting the road, according to AAA.

For many people, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season and a time when numerous institutions, including financial markets, are closed.

But we should never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day itself as an occasion to honor those who died while serving their country.

The national holiday traces its roots back to 1868, when a group of Civil War veterans on the Union side felt there should be a day to "decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hence, the holiday's original name - Decoration Day - was observed on May 30 supposedly because flowers would be in bloom throughout the country by then.

In 1971, the holiday was shifted at the federal level from May 30 to the final Monday in May as part of a broader act that established official observance dates for other holidays. By then, it also had become known as Memorial Day.

The holiday weekend is marked with a variety of events, both solemn and fun. It's also a time when many Americans hit the road. AAA predicts 43.8 million will be traveling - the most since 2005.

Here are some things to keep in mind in terms of openings and closures.

Are financial markets open on Memorial Day?

All U.S. stock and bond markets are closed on Memorial Day.

Does the post office deliver mail?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver mail on Monday. FedEx (FDX) will not be operating, except for its Custom Critical shipments; FedEx Office stores will have modified hours. Similarly, UPS (UPS) will not offer service, save for its Express Critical shipments; UPS Store locations may be closed, but it's best to check with your local store in advance.

Are banks open?

Banks are generally closed, although you can always visit an ATM or use your banking app.

Are government offices open?

Since Memorial Day is a federal holiday, all nonessential federal government offices are closed (and the same generally applies to state government offices).

Are schools open?

Schools are typically closed on Memorial Day, though it's always best to check with your local school district.

Are most stores open?

Not only are stores generally open on Memorial Day, but the three-day weekend is one of the biggest sale occasions of the year, according to RetailMeNot. The savings site says deals can be found on everything from patio furniture to footwear, but it notes big savings can especially be found on mattresses, bedding, spring apparel and cookware.

-Charles Passy

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05-27-24 0829ET

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