Americans around the country will celebrate Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff to summer, with cookouts, road trips, and family outings.

Memorial Day is one of few federal holidays most businesses will close for. In doing so, they honor noble servicemen and women lost protecting the United States. It's easily confused with Veterans Day, the two holidays were created for entirely different reasons.

Veterans Day honors those who enlisted in the military, but many not have necessarily served in battle. Memorial Day recognizes personnel who sacrificed themselves for country, beginning with the Civil War some 150 years ago.

While national parks, restaurants, and retailers like Walmart and Target chose to stay open Monday, most government-run facilities will not. Here is a list of closed businesses, along with some offering discounts throughout the weekend.

What's Closed

U.S. Post Office - Mailmen and women will take Monday off, as well as expeditors like UPS and FedEx.

Federal Offices - All Department of Motor Vehicles offices are closed. State and local courts will pick up proceedings on Tuesday.

Banks - All banks, including Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank and Bank of America, are closed. Last year, smaller banks like SunTrust and PNC remained open, but it's best to check with local branches.

Libraries - Most across the country are closed.

Retailer Discounts

Amazon - The online retailer is offering 70-percent discounts as part of their Memorial Day sale.

Barnes and Noble - Save 40 percent on history books through Tuesday.

Best Buy - Major appliances are 35-percent off through June 8. Those who purchase or lease a Samsung S7 or S7 Edge through June 4 receive a free 32' Samsung HDTV.

Bloomingdales - Get a $50 gift card with every $200 spent through the extended weekend.

Hotels.com - Book by June 14 and get a 40 percent off select destinations.

Hyundai - The car dealer is offering $1,000 discounts for military members and their spouses for all 2015, 2016, and 2017 model-year vehicles.

Kohl's - Get 50 percent off as part of their Memorial Day sale. Online shoppers can use code TREEBUD through June 14 for an additional 15 percent off.

Macy's - Use online code MEMDAY to get 20 percent off through May 30.

PacSun - Sale items are 50 percent off through the weekend.

Target - The embattled retailer is preparing for summer by offering discounts on swimwear, tank tops, and outdoor grills and patio furniture. Deals range from 20 to 50-percent off.

Under Armour - Military personnel receive 15 percent off their purchase with a valid ID as part of their Under Amour Freedom campaign.

Victoria's Secret - Online users get 40 percent off swimwear and cover-ups by using SAVE40SWIM at checkout, through May 31.

Walmart - Take 50 percent off select items through Monday.

Restaurant Deals

Applebee's - Servicemen and women get 10 percent off with valid military ID.

Hooters - Present valid ID on Memorial Day and get either a free burger, 10-piece wings, or a buffalo chicken salad.

McCormick and Schmick's - Miltary personnel get a free lunch or dinner entrée on Monday. Options include beef medallions, beer-battered fish and chips, and buttermilk fried shrimp.

Red Robin - Get a free appetizer with any $10 purchase through the weekend, though Red Robin Royalty signup is required.