As we reflect on Veterans Day, our staff at Krause Funeral Homes joins those around Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield– and throughout America – in celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. veterans. Our respect and gratitude for those in the military is deeply held, as the second generation of Krause funeral directors all served their country proudly.
Krause has a long history of honoring veterans – it is one of our greatest privileges to help plan military funeral services and making sure the families receive the benefits for which they qualify. And today, we take the time to recognize the contributions of these heroes. These brave Americans are putting their lives on the line for the sake of our country, and it is our privilege to offer support in any way we can. We also believe that understanding the history of Veterans Day adds an added level of meaning to this day, set aside to honor the 20.4 million living U.S. veterans.
It began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when an armistice, or ceasefire, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, also known as “the Great War.” One year later, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Americans paused to pay respect and give thanks to WWI veterans at 11:00 a.m., and parades and public gatherings took place around the country.
In 1938, legislation was passed denoting that November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” Nearly two decades later, in 1954, (following WWII and the Korean War) veterans service organizations urged the 83rd U.S. Congress to rename the holiday “Veterans Day.”
That same year, on June 1, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. November 11 is now designated as a day to honor and thank living veterans who served both in wartime and peacetime.
Here at Krause Funeral Homes, we think it’s important to remember our veterans both in life and in death. And not just on November 11th, but every day. When it comes time to lay a veteran to rest, we give our all to make sure military families receive every honor and benefit for which they qualify.
To help spread this important message about Veterans Day, would you share this blog post on social media? Paying tribute to American veterans is a privilege and something we will never take for granted.