Businesses close in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday falling on the third Monday of every January.

The day celebrating King’s birthday, honors his legacy and shines a light on civil rights. King was assassinated in April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

On Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill marking the third Monday of every January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. King was born on January 15, 1929. The holiday was approved as a federal holiday in 1983, becoming the first federal holiday honoring an African American.

Since then, many individuals and businesses have used to day to give back through public service.

❚ Is the post office open? Will packages be delivered?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed in observance of MLK Day. UPS will remain open. FedEx will be operational, with modified service to FedEx Express and FedEx SmartPost.

❚ Is the bank open?

Most likely not. Federal Reserve Banks, TD Bank and Wells Fargo are among many banks nationwide that will be closed. Most ATMs and customer support centers will still be operational.

❚ Is the stock market open?

The New York Stock Exchange is closed and most U.S. exchanges will also close.

❚ Are schools in session?

Most schools will be closed.

❚ Are grocery stores open?

Yes, most are open.

❚ Are retail stores open?

Yes, most are open and some offer sales on the holiday.

❚ Is the DMV open?

Most Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed.

Are courts open?

No.

Will garbage be picked up on MLK Day?

Check your local service.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall honors the slain civil rights leader. JACK GRUBER/USA TODAY