Independence Day 2012: What's Open, Closed on 4th of July

Today is Independence Day, commonly called "The 4th of July," which is the celebration of the birth of the United States through its Declaration of Independence from England  in 1776.

All federal, state and local government offices are closed. Banks and other financial institutions, including the financial markets, are closed.

There is no postal service today. 

Virtully all major retail stores are open. Most supermarkets are open as well; some operate on shortened hours. 

In the including Plainview, there is no garbage pickup Wednesday. Collection will be delayed a day. 

But, as always, police and firefighters are working the holiday. The Nassau County Police Department and the volunteers of the will show up if you need them. They're on the job Wednesday.

The weather is expected to be hot and humid and possibly stormy this morning and again later this afternoon. See our multiple guides for summer fun listed on this page, including a list of fireworks planned around Long Island this evening.