The History of Veterans Day

Explore the history of Veterans Day, honoring the sacrifices of those who served. Learn how this day became a national tradition to celebrate our veterans.

Veterans Day, a national and state holiday, serves as a day for Americans to come together to show their deep respect and appreciation for the military veterans of our country. It is the one day a year when we pause, reflect and show our gratitude to all those who are serving or have ever served in our military. So how did it come to be?


What we know today as Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. On November 11, 2019, we celebrate the 101st anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. This armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month of 1918. At the time, we believed World War I was “the war to end all wars”. One year after the armistice, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In his address to his “fellow-countrymen” delivered from the White House on November 11, 1919, Woodrow Wilson praised the contribution of the American people and shared hope for the future.


With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought. 


Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests, which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.


To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations. 


Of course, lasting peace was not to be. After the Second World War, Alabama veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to honor all veterans. On May 26, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into a law a bill presented by Congressman Ed Rees from Kansas establishing Armistice Day as a national holiday eight years after Weeks began celebrating Armistice Day for all veterans. Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.


Memorial Day honors those who died in service, Armed Services Day honors those who currently serve. Veterans Day honors ALL veterans. Thank a Veteran on November 11th and be very proud and happy to go to bed tonight in the United States of America.

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When a veteran has served our nation with honor, we believe their final tribute deserves the same high level of respect and care. At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we understand that families of those who served seek meaningful support and services from trusted funeral professionals, especially when researching funeral homes Middletown, PA . Our team is committed to walking beside you, recognizing the unique chapter of military service, and creating a farewell that reflects duty fulfilled. Honoring a Life of Service Transitioning from active service to civilian life is a major journey and the way a veteran’s life is celebrating matters deeply. When families come to us, we tailor the ceremony with military honors , respect for medals and insignia, and acknowledgement of service history. We believe those who wore the uniform deserve not just a generic service but a thoughtful, personalized farewell that affirms their service and sacrifice. What sets this apart? It acknowledges the identity of “veteran” and weaving it into every element, whether in flag presentation, honor guard, or special readings. Choosing a Funeral Partner with Expertise Given the many options families' face, selecting a funeral home that understands veterans’ benefits, protocols, and how to coordinate with veteran-affairs offices is essential. Our staff is trained to guide families through the available veteran benefits, and the logistics of military honor presentations. Moreover, we offer personalization options such as tribute videos, keepsake items connected to military service, and live streaming for distant family members. Our decades of experience mean we’re familiar with what families need, not just in the hours of service but in the days of follow-up support. Tailoring Every Detail From the color of the drape to the placement of the veteran’s cap, each detail matters. For example, we can coordinate with local veteran organizations or active-duty units to provide an honor guard, flag-folding ceremony, and Taps. We also assist with documentation so the veteran’s family can claim any eligible benefits or recognitions. Because we view each service as a true celebration of life, we invite families to incorporate special elements such as a “walk of honor,” slideshow of service years, or symbolic flag presentation by a family member. All of these help reinforce the theme of duty, legacy, and honor. Supporting Families Long After the Day The promise of service doesn’t end after the ceremony. Grief doesn’t wrap up when the last guest leaves. We provide extended grief support resources including weekly email messages for a full year, and access to our online memorial platforms so families can continue to connect, share memories, and invite support. This level of continued care means that when you search among funeral homes Middletown, PA you’ll find an option that doesn’t just check boxes but stays engaged. In choosing Connell Funeral Home, Inc., you’re selecting a firm whose legacy spans over a century, a team founded on compassion, concern, and respect for every life, especially those who served. We invite you to reach out so we can share how we honour duty and dedication in a way that is uniquely fitting. Please contact us to begin planning a service that truly reflects a veteran’s legacy and ensures your loved one is honored with dignity.
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Every life tells a story filled with memories, passions, and meaningful moments. At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we believe that a memorial should beautifully reflect that story. Families looking for cremation services Allentown, PA often want a personalized way to celebrate their loved one’s journey, one that honors their individuality and legacy with heartfelt detail. The Importance of Personalization A meaningful memorial goes beyond formality; it’s an expression of love. By incorporating personal touches into a service or remembrance, families can create a setting that truly feels like their loved one. Whether it’s a favorite color palette, cherished music, or décor inspired by hobbies and interests, these small but powerful details transform a service into a lasting tribute. Personalization also helps families heal. When the environment reflects the person being remembered, it evokes shared stories and joyful memories that foster connection and comfort. A thoughtfully designed memorial reminds everyone that even in loss, a beautiful life continues to inspire. Creative Ways to Personalize a Memorial There’s no single “right” way to design a meaningful memorial. The best approach is one that feels authentic to your loved one’s personality and life story. Here are a few creative ideas that can make any service more memorable: Memory Displays: Showcase photos, letters, and keepsakes that highlight meaningful moments throughout your loved one’s life. Favorite Music or Readings: Choose songs, poems, or passages that held special significance, setting a tone that feels personal and familiar. Thematic Décor: Use decorations that reflect passions—like gardening, travel, art, or sports—to create a space that feels warm and genuine. Interactive Elements: Memory walls or guest books allow family and friends to share stories, words of encouragement, and reflections. Video Tributes: A short film of treasured photos and clips can beautifully capture a lifetime of love and laughter. Each of these elements adds a deeper layer of meaning, helping attendees connect emotionally and celebrate a life well-lived. Designing a Lasting Legacy A memorial is also an opportunity to create something that endures a place, keepsake, or tradition that continues to honor your loved one. Families often choose to include a personal touch in lasting forms, such as engraved tokens, memory gardens, or digital memorials that preserve stories for generations. We help guide families in creating these lasting symbols of remembrance. Our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring every detail feels intentional and true to your loved one’s legacy. How We Support Personalized Memorials Personalization doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s about capturing the essence of a life. From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, we offer the flexibility and guidance families need to plan meaningful tributes. Whether you envision a traditional ceremony or a creative, story-driven experience, our compassionate staff will help you design a service that feels right. For inspiration and ideas, explore our planning resources , where we share helpful insights to guide you through the process with care and confidence. A Tribute as Unique as the Life It Honors At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we take pride in helping families design memorials that truly capture the heart of their loved one’s life story. Through creativity, compassion, and thoughtful collaboration, we create spaces that bring comfort and connection. If you’re exploring cremation services Allentown, PA that allow for personalized, meaningful memorials, we invite you to connect with our team and discover how we can help you celebrate a life beautifully lived.
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