The operational status of businesses and government services on Patriots' Day depends on their jurisdiction, as it is a state holiday, not a federal one. Observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, it commemorates the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Consequently, federal entities, including the U.S. Postal Service and federally chartered banks, remain open. However, state and municipal government offices, public schools, and state-chartered financial institutions within the observing states are typically closed.
A detailed breakdown reveals a clear distinction between public and private sector operations. All non-essential state, county, and local government services, such as the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and public libraries, cease operations for the day in the relevant states. In contrast, most private businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and corporations, have the discretion to open. Many choose to operate, sometimes with adjusted hours, especially in metropolitan areas like Boston where the holiday is marked by major public events like the Boston Marathon. Public transportation services often run on a modified or holiday schedule to accommodate these events.
In practice, individuals in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin should assume that federal services will be available while state and local government functions will be suspended. For any private business or non-governmental organization, it is advisable to verify their specific hours of operation directly, as there is no universal mandate for closure. The holiday's impact is highly localized and does not affect business or government operations in other states.
