Every year, we honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader and Baptist pastor Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday of January. Interestingly enough, this year, this day also coincides with his actual birthday—January 15.
In case you need to be out and about to celebrate or take care of tasks, navigating this day can seem like a puzzle with the holiday closures. Here’s a streamlined list to help make your day smoother:
Retail
- Major chains like Target, Walmart, and Kroger will keep their doors open.
- Costco and Sam’s Club, the known wholesale giants, also welcome customers.
- Most major restaurant chains continue operating, but it’s best to check with the local branch.
Outdoor Activities
- In a tribute to the beauty of America, all US National Parks offer free entry on MLK Day.
Mail and Package Services
- United States Postal Service will hit pause, with no mail delivery on this day.
- UPS will function on a limited scale, with a few stores open.
- FedEx sustains operations but with altered services for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy.
Government Services
- Most nonessential services like the DMV, libraries, and city offices close their doors. Confirm with local branches.
Financial Services
- Big names in trade, Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, go quiet.
- While most physical banks shut their doors, online banking services and ATMs will remain accessible.
The journey to recognize this day as a federal holiday started just days after King’s assassination in 1968 when US Rep. John Conyers proposed a bill to honor King. It wasn’t until 1986, after much advocacy, that it gained nationwide recognition. New Hampshire was the last state to observe this day in 1999.
As we plan our day around these closures and openings, let’s remember why we’re observing this day: to honor a man who sparked a revolution towards equality. Martin Luther King Jr. dared to dream, and his dream continues to shape our society. So, while we navigate through MLK Day, either using open services or adjusting plans due to closures, let’s remember the man whose legacy we’re honoring. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for equality revolutionized our history and continues to shape our present. This day is our opportunity to reflect on that journey and remain inspired by his dream.
