WASHINGTON (Gray News) – Americans will celebrate Juneteenth, the newest U.S. federal holiday, on Thursday.
Juneteenth was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021.
The day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, with several cities and communities planning parades and celebratory events.
FILE — Community members celebrate Juneteenth.
FILE — Community members celebrate Juneteenth.(Austin Transportation and Public Works | MGN)
Along with celebrations, some federal services will not be available and financial institutions will be closed on Thursday.
The U.S. Postal Service announced that all post office locations will be closed for Juneteenth.
USPS said that aside from holiday premium Priority Mail Express, there will be no mail delivered in observance of the holiday.
According to the postal service, retail locations will be open the following day with standard business hours, along with mail delivery service resuming.
Markets will also be closed. Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange will not be trading on Thursday.
Juneteenth is also a banking holiday observed by the Federal Reserve. So, major banks such as Wells Fargo, Chase and and Bank of America will be closed. Online banking services and ATMs will be available.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on the holiday, including Walmart and Target, operating normal business hours.