What's open, what's closed in Seattle on Veterans Day?

In case you've lost track of time this year, and just know that we are past Election Day but haven't quite made it to Christmas, you might want to pull out your calendar: Thursday is Veterans Day.

The federal holiday, which is always held on the anniversary of the end of World War I, as it used to be known as Armistice Day, commemorates those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

And while it falls awkwardly in the middle of the work week this year, many businesses in Seattle will still observe the holiday, and certain services may be reduced or closed.

Keep reading to see what's closed, what's open and what's free in Seattle this Veterans Day.

CLOSED: All government offices

All government offices will be closed for Veterans Day as it is a federal holiday. This includes the Department of Licensing, Seattle Passport Agency and Employment Security Offices, although online services will remain available.

CLOSED: Most schools including Seattle, Bellevue and Kent school districts

Seattle Public Schools will not have class on Thursday in observance of the holiday. Public schools in all three districts will remain closed Friday due a large amount of staff requesting time off and a shortage of substitute teachers.

CLOSED: King County Water Taxis

Both the Vashon and West Seattle routes of the King County Water Taxi will not be operating Thursday in observance of the holiday. The routes will resume to full commuter service on Friday.

CLOSED: Seattle Public Libraries

All SPL locations will be closed on Thursday. Book returns at the Central Library downtown will also be closed, according to a notice on SPL's website.

CLOSED: Banks

All banks are closed to observe the federal holiday. However, ATM operations may remain open depending on the bank.

CLOSED: Post Offices

U.S. Post Offices will be closed for Veterans Day, and mail will not be delivered.

OPEN: Washington States Ferries

Washington State Ferries will be operating with reduced service on several routes, a change which went into effect last month due to ongoing staff shortages. The Washington State Department of Transportation will be honoring veterans with a moment of silence on all vessels at 11:11 a.m. followed by a whistle salute. The POW/MIA flag will also be flying on all vessels.

OPEN: King County Metro and Sound Transit

Buses will still be operating but will have reduced schedules for the holiday. More information on reduced schedules from Metro Transit is available here. Sound Transit will be operating on its regular weekday schedule.

FREE: Street parking in Seattle

This might be your day to run some errands: on-street parking payment is not required in observance of the holiday according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

FREE: State and National Parks

All National Park Service sites will be free to enter on Veterans Day. Washington State Parks are also free and will not require a Discover Pass for entry.