On Monday, February 16, it was President’s Day in the United States, a federal holiday. As a result, federal government agencies were closed, with some services suspended. Banks, post offices, government offices, and the stock market were shut down, while supermarkets, restaurants, and retail stores might have remained open as usual.
President’s Day, formally known as “Washington’s Birthday,” is the first holiday in US history named after a president. It was established in 1879 to honor the founding father of the United States, George Washington, and later expanded to celebrate all American presidents.
Following a three-day holiday celebration in 1968, the name “President’s Day” gained wide acceptance. However, Congress has never officially changed the holiday’s name from “Washington’s Birthday” in federal law.
The US Postal Service was closed on President’s Day, with mail delivery suspended and regular services resuming on February 17. According to information on the UPS official website, UPS provided pickup and delivery services on President’s Day, with stores operating as usual. Due to the federal holiday, delivery times for UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations would be extended by one working day.
FedEx mostly maintained its services as usual, but there were adjustments to domestic and international parcel and express services operations.
During the federal holiday, banks were closed. This meant that Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Truist Bank, and Citibank branches were all closed on that day.
All stock markets such as the Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange, and US Bond Market were closed on President’s Day.
Most public schools were closed for the holiday, although parents were advised to confirm with their local school districts. Many universities also observed the holiday, although it was not a universal policy, so students were recommended to check with their respective institutions.
National chain supermarkets operated as usual during the holiday period, but customers were advised to double-check the local supermarkets’ operating hours.
Retail giants like Walmart, Aldi, Target, Whole Foods, and Costco were open for business as usual.