To honor our veterans, we customize any funeral or cremation, and work with families to secure the benefits provided by the Veterans Administration. This year, Veterans Day is recognized on Thursday, November 11.
The Veterans Association offers a variety of benefits for those that have passed (though not money toward a funeral or cremation). For example, the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen provides free burial space for veterans. We keep an updated list of benefits for your convenience.
Making services special for Veterans
Family members currently in the military are invited to participate in a loved one’s service, such as the honors ceremony and presentation of the flag. All of the military branches embrace this tradition and attending representatives from the branch ensure the family member’s involvement goes smoothly.
It’s a touching moment when a grandson or granddaughter presents the folded flag to their grandparent.
Local events for Veterans
From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 7, the Woodman Museum in Dover will host an annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony featuring re-enactors of various conflicts from the Revolutionary War to modern battles. The event includes live cannon firing and antique military vehicles and memorabilia.
The Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, NH, opens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, hosting a special ceremony to honor veterans from 11 a.m. to noon.
History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day honors veterans for their dedication and loyal service to our country so veterans know how deeply we appreciate the sacrifices they made to protect our freedom.
Veterans Day originated from Armistice Day, which was based on the ending of WWI and the date of ceremonies and burial for the “unknown soldier”. This took place on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. (the eleventh hour of the eleventh month).
It wasn’t until 1938 that Armistice Day became a national holiday. In 1947, a Veteran’s parade was held on Armistice Day in Alabama to honor ALL American veterans for their loyal service. Shortly thereafter Kansas Congressman Edward Rees requested legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day.
At Arlington National Cemetery, at exactly 11 a.m., each November 11, a color guard, made up of members from each military branch, renders honors to America’s war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb to a Taps Bugler. The balance of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” by numerous veteran service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.
One more thing to note, you may notice that your American flag is torn or tattered after taking it down for the season. We offer complimentary flag retirement, and decommissioned or tattered flags can be deposited in the flag mailbox located at 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH. We utilize our crematorium to burn these flags respectfully.
Preplanning your final arrangements ensures that your family understands your final wishes and alleviates a great deal of stress.
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