If you had plans to stop by the bank during lunch on Wednesday to handle some paperwork, check your calendar first. Next Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day.

This year, the date falls right in the middle of the week, so it doesn't lead into a long weekend, and it's just a day off. It's the perfect day to forget and make a wasted trip.

In the neighborhood next to Fort Campbell, the significance of this day is a bit different. So, I've compiled a list of places that will be open and closed based on information available until early November.

Let's start with the places that are definitely closed. Since it's a federal holiday, federal government offices will be closed.

The post office will also be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery. Services will resume on Thursday, the 12th.

The Federal Reserve Bank will also be closed. Any automatic transfers scheduled for the 11th may be delayed until the next business day, so if you have a payment due that day, make sure to plan ahead.

Regular banks and credit unions set their own hours. Most will be closed, but some branches inside grocery stores may remain open, so it's safest to check with your bank.

Surprisingly, the stock market will be open. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will operate as usual, while the bond market will close in accordance with SIFMA recommendations.

Schools will be closed. According to the 2026-27 academic calendar from the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS), November 11 is marked as a day off.

The same document indicates that Thanksgiving break will be from the 23rd to the 27th. It's a good idea to double-check on the official site, and if both parents work, it's best to arrange childcare early.

The city hall and county offices are a bit uncertain. As of the time I checked, there was no announcement for this year, and I only confirmed that they closed on the 11th last year.

Specifics will be referenced in the 2024 city announcements. The city hall office, parks and recreation headquarters, and Fort Defiance will be closed, while recreation centers and golf courses will be open.

The Gas and Water Administration office and CDE Lightband office were also closed that year. Police and fire departments will, of course, be operating normally. It's likely to be similar this year, but since we can't be certain, it's best to finish any business at the office by Tuesday.

On a positive note, the buses will be running. Both the 2023 and 2024 announcements indicate that only the CTS administrative office will be closed, and buses will operate as usual.

Veterans Day is also listed as a holiday in Tennessee. I couldn't find a separate announcement for the driver's license center, but there's a precedent for it being closed during the January holiday, so I wouldn't schedule an appointment for that day.

I couldn't find reliable information about trash collection. It's best to check directly with your service provider.

Now, let's look at the places that will be open. Based on last year's reports, Costco, Kroger, Target, and Walmart will be open during regular hours, while Walgreens may vary by location. Since this is not this year's announcement, just check the hours before you go, and you should be fine for shopping.

Delivery services vary by company. UPS has been reported to operate normally in recent years, but FedEx reports have been inconsistent. If you have an urgent package, it's safer to send it by Tuesday.

Fort Campbell's schedule indicates that the 11th and the 13th to 15th are training holidays (DONSA). It looks like only Thursday the 12th is in between, but this may change depending on mission requirements, so check with your unit first.

The commissary will be open on the 11th from 8 AM to 4 PM only. Normally, it's open from 7 AM to 8 PM, so if you plan to stop by after work, you might end up making a wasted trip.

I couldn't find this year's announcement for Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. Last year's guidance indicated that outpatient services, pharmacy, dental, and appointment calls would be closed on federal holidays, while the emergency room is open 24 hours, so it's best to refill prescriptions in advance.

There are also dining benefits for veterans and active-duty service members. According to a list updated by veteran.com on November 2, Texas Roadhouse will offer free meal vouchers from 11 AM to 2 PM on the 11th, valid until May 31 of next year.

Logan's Roadhouse will provide a free menu from 11 AM to 3 PM, and Golden Corral will serve free dinner for dine-in from 4 PM until closing. Applebee's is also listed as offering free meals from a select menu.

Make sure to bring proof like a military ID, VA card, or DD-214. Some franchise locations may not participate, so it's a good idea to call ahead.

National parks will not charge admission fees for U.S. citizens and residents on the 11th. Camping or reservation fees will still apply. Taking a walk in the woods on a weekday off isn't a bad idea either.

The local event was today. According to the county veterans service organization (MCVSO), there was a ceremony at 9 AM in front of the old courthouse on Third Street, and a parade starting at 10 AM at the intersection of North 8th and College. If you have questions, you can call 931-553-5173.

It's a bit disappointing to spend a day like this just looking for sales. When you think about who has provided the stability in this community, it's not too much to ask for a simple thank you.

In summary, the post office, federal agencies, and schools will be closed, while the stock market will be open. Major stores and buses will operate as usual based on previous years. Banks, city hall, and delivery services will need to be checked individually.

I would finish any business with banks, the post office, and government offices by Tuesday. It's best to take the day off on Wednesday without any worries.