Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Millions of Americans will recognise and commemorate the life of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15. Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday of January every year, but this year it also happens to be the day of his actual birthday.
King, who was killed 56 years ago, devoted his life to creating a movement and a legacy to combat racism, injustice, and violence against Black Americans in the US.
Fifteen years after his murder, in November 1983, US President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law.
On April 4, 1968, barely four days after his murder, the law was initially proposed. But it took another 17 years for the holiday to be accepted in all 50 states after the federal government authorised it 15 years earlier.
Today, MLK Jr. Day is acknowledged as a National Day of Service to inspire everyone to engage in community service. However, this does not imply that employees of private companies must take the day off, as many shops and establishments stay open.
What is open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024:
Retail stores
On MLK Day, major US stores will be open.
This contains a few well-known stores including Target, Walmart, Costco, and Kroger.
Walmart: On MLK Jr. Day, the store will be open as usual; however, hours may change according on the location.
Costco: On MLK Jr. Day, the retail establishment will be open. Open times for establishments vary depending on the location.
Target: Although hours may vary based on the location, stores will adhere to their regular operation schedules. Before you go, be sure to visit the website of your neighbourhood store.
Walgreens: The store will open at its regular hour of 8 a.m. for all of your pharmacy, health, and wellness needs.
Kroger: On MLK Jr. Day, the chain of supermarkets will be open, with the bakeries opening at 9 a.m. and the remaining shops starting at 6 a.m.
Postal services
On MLK Day, USPS will not deliver mail.
On MLK Jr. Day, mail will not be delivered by the USPS.
USPS will not be providing normal service and will only have a small number of shops operational.
FedEx is open, although only restricted services will be provided by FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy.
Banks
On MLK Day, most banks will be closed.
Due to the Federal Reserve’s observation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the majority of banks will be closed.
Although many prefer to, banks are not compelled to close on federal holidays. Thus, be sure to check your local branch before heading over to your bank.
Additionally closed will be the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.
On MLK Jr. Day, you may immerse yourself in nature to celebrate the occasion at no cost!
“On six days in 2024, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone,” the National Park Service has declared.
