Remember Your Veteran with a Memorial Keepsake

Krause Funeral Home has a long history of honoring veterans in and around Milwaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin. Our dedication is deeply personal, as the second generation of Krause funeral directors all served their country proudly. We cannot overstate the importance of paying tribute to military heroes, who give so much of themselves to protect the American ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.

We hope it is evident that we take our responsibility to honor military men and women seriously – both in life and in death. We do this, in part, by making sure a veteran’s family knows about all of the honors and benefits they deserve. We also think of the many families across our great nation mourning the loss of their veteran loved one.

Though our many years working with Milwaukee families, we understand the power and complexity of grief. We also understand how something tangible to hold onto during the grieving process can be a real comfort, as a physical reminder is a direct connection to a loved one. Certain objects can bring about feelings of sadness, happiness, and nostalgia that help a person acknowledge the reality and finality of death while also bringing good memories to mind.

Many families honor their fallen soldier’s memory with ribbon magnets, photo dog tags, buttons, photo patches, and ornaments. Here are four more ways to remember your special hero with a personalized military memorial keepsake.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

We secure an official memorial certificate bearing the signature and seal of the President of the United States for the spouse or child of a veteran. A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President to honor the memory of veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy initiated a program to provide a certificate – and this has been continued by all subsequent U.S. Presidents. Many families frame these beautiful certificates as a way to commemorate their loved one’s military accomplishments.

Thumbies® – Thumbprint Jewelry

Thumbies® are a special line of beautifully crafted necklaces, bracelets, pins, or other jewelry with an imprint of your loved one’s thumbprint in the center. If a family so wishes, our staff can take fingerprints at the time of death and will work with a reputable vendor to have your custom piece created. These can be used as gifts at holidays, birthdays, graduations, or simply as a commemorative piece.

Keepsake Jewelry

We offer jewelry that holds a portion of the cremated remains inside. From necklaces to bracelets, rings, and more, these pieces can feature angels, crosses, and other meaningful symbols and safely protects your loved one’s cremated remains.

It can be extremely meaningful to know you’re carrying your veteran loved one’s memory with you at all times. This is also a great choice for those who also wish to scatter their loved one’s cremated remains. Krause Funeral Homes helps to facilitate numerous scatterings every year – and we have seen some families regret letting go of all of the cremated remains. If scattering is your desire, but you don’t want a piece of keepsake jewelry, we can also make a smaller keepsake urn available to you.

Decorative Flag Case

These lyrics from American composer George M. Cohan have special meaning to us here at Krause Funeral Home: “You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high-flying flag, And forever in peace may you wave…”

At the time of burial, the family is given a flag from the President of the United States thanking the veteran for his or her service. Afterwards, families often tell us they need something to keep the flag clean and appropriate for display. A wonderful way to honor your loved one is with a flag case that can be displayed in your home.

Paying Tribute to Your Veteran Loved One

When it’s time to pay tribute to the veteran in your life, or if you are a veteran and would like to put your funeral plans in place ahead of time, reach out to our caring team by phone, or stop by any of our four locations in Brookfield, New Berlin, or in Milwaukee near Brown Deer Road or Capitol Drive.

We are here ready to say thank you to the many brave men and women who have defended our freedom.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *