National Day of Mourning: Your Ultimate Guide to What's Closed & What's Open

The National Day of Mourning is a day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the victims of Native American boarding schools and the traumatic experiences of Native American communities. While this day of mourning may be somber, it's essential to know what businesses are closed and what services are available to ensure a smooth and respectful day. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what's closed and what's open on National Day of Mourning, helping you navigate this important day with ease.

For many Native American communities, the National Day of Mourning serves as a painful reminder of the dark history of the United States government's treatment of indigenous peoples. Since its inception in 1970, this day has been marked by protests, rallies, and cultural events, aimed at raising awareness about the atrocities committed against Native American communities. As we honor the victims and survivors of these traumatic events, it's crucial to understand the impact on daily life and the services available.

Federal Offices and Services

When it comes to federal offices and services, many will be closed on National Day of Mourning. Here's a list of federal offices that will be closed:

• Federal government offices, including federal courthouses and post offices
• National parks and monuments
• Federal highways and roads
• All federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Education, and Energy

Some federal services will be available, albeit limited:

• Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and DEA, will be available to provide support and assistance
• Federal emergency services, like the American Red Cross, will be available to provide disaster relief and support

State Offices and Services

State offices and services will also be impacted on National Day of Mourning. Here's a list of state offices that will be closed:

• State government offices, including state capitols and courthouses
• State highways and roads
• State transportation departments
• Some state parks and recreational areas

Some state services will be available, albeit limited:

• State law enforcement agencies, such as state police and highway patrol, will be available to provide support and assistance
• State emergency services, like the National Guard, will be available to provide disaster relief and support

Local Businesses and Services

Local businesses and services will vary in their hours of operation on National Day of Mourning. Here's a general idea of what you can expect:

• Many local businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and banks, will be closed
• Some local businesses, like gas stations, convenience stores, and pharmacies, may be open but with limited hours
• Public transportation services, like buses and trains, will be reduced or suspended

Healthcare Services

Healthcare services will be available on National Day of Mourning, but with some limitations:

• Hospitals and medical centers will be open, but may have reduced staff and services
• Urgent care centers and emergency rooms will be available, but may have limited capacity
• Some medical services, like blood banks and laboratory services, may be closed

Education Services

Education services will be impacted on National Day of Mourning. Here's a list of education services that will be closed:

• Public schools and universities will be closed
• Some educational institutions, like libraries and museums, may be closed

Some education services will be available, albeit limited:

• Online educational resources, like educational websites and online courses, will be available
• Some educational institutions, like charter schools and vocational schools, may be open with limited hours

Community Events and Services

Community events and services will vary on National Day of Mourning. Here's a general idea of what you can expect:

• Many community events, like cultural festivals and community gatherings, will be canceled or postponed
• Some community services, like food banks and homeless shelters, may be open but with limited hours
• Some community organizations, like community centers and youth organizations, may be closed

Sports and Entertainment

Sports and entertainment events will be impacted on National Day of Mourning. Here's a list of sports and entertainment events that will be canceled or postponed:

• Professional sports games, like football and basketball games, will be canceled or postponed
• Concerts and live events, like theater performances and comedy shows, will be canceled or postponed
• Some sporting events, like tennis and golf tournaments, may be postponed or canceled

What to Do Instead

While some businesses and services may be closed on National Day of Mourning, there are still ways to honor the victims and survivors of Native American boarding schools and engage with your community:

• Attend a local community event or rally to show support for Native American communities
• Visit a local museum or cultural center to learn more about Native American history and culture
• Volunteer with a local organization that supports Native American communities
• Participate in a silent protest or march to show solidarity with Native American communities

In conclusion, National Day of Mourning is a day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the victims of Native American boarding schools and the traumatic experiences of Native American communities. By understanding what's closed and what's open, you can plan your day accordingly and show your support for Native American communities. Remember to take the opportunity to learn more about Native American history and culture, and to engage with your community in meaningful ways.