What's closed in California on Thursday? What to know about day of mourning for Jimmy Carter
Published in News & Features
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Thursday is a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at age 100 on Dec. 29.
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Dec. 30 declaring that all executive departments and agencies of the federal government will be closed on Thursday “as a mark of respect.”
The closures affect several federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service.
What will be shut down in California in observance of the national day of mourning? Who has the day off?
Here’s what to know:
When is national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter?
The national day of mourning is set for the same day as Carter’s funeral.
A national funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral, and Biden is scheduled to deliver a eulogy.
In a Dec. 29 statement announcing Carter’s death, Biden called the former president the “very best of America.”
“President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden said.
Biden called for U.S. flags to be displayed at half-staff at the White House, public buildings and grounds, military bases, naval stations and ships and all U.S. embassies for 30 days starting from the date of Carter’s death.
On Dec. 29, California Gov. Gavin Newsom also announced that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space would be flown at half-staff in honor of Carter.
The country’s most recent national day of mourning was in December 2018, following the death of former President George H.W. Bush.
What’s closed in California on Thursday?
Federal offices, including all executive departments and agencies, will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9, for the national day of mourning.
However, some essential employees may be required to work for “reasons of national security, defense, or other public need,” according to Biden’s executive order.
The U.S. Postal Service will suspend mail deliveries and retail services and close administrative offices and post offices on Thursday, according to an agency news release.
Some package deliveries will still be completed to prevent customers from being negatively affected, according to the Postal Service.
The agency will also accept and process letters and packages from commercial mailers at mail processing facilities.
Regular mail and delivery operations will resume on Friday, Jan. 10.
Will banks be open? What about grocery stores?
Unlike federal holidays, a national day of mourning does not require banks, grocery stores or other businesses to shut down for the day.
Banks are expected to remain open on Jan. 9, according to the American Bankers Association.
However, Federal Reserve offices will be closed in accordance with Biden’s executive order.
Do I get the day off work or school?
Federal employees, including post office workers, have the day off from work Thursday, unless they are exempt from the executive order.
However, schools and private businesses are not required to close for the national day of mourning.
If you’re wonder whether to come into work on Thursday, reach out to your supervisor.
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