Veterans Day is November 11 and is an official United States public holiday that honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed forces. It coincides with other holidays celebrated in other countries, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of WWI were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

The United States previously observed Armistice Day until 1945 when WWII veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in WWI. Weeks led a delegation to General Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of a National Veterans Day. The first national celebration of this annual holiday was in 1947 and the bill was signed into law on June 1, 1954.

The observance of Veterans Day not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but also helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day which is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Join us at the Lowe Center on Monday, November 11 at 11 a.m. for a presentation entitled “Honoring Our Heroes” by Starks Family Funeral Homes. You will learn about the National Cemetery System as well as veteran’s burial benefits.

Also on November 11, the Cass COA will recognize our local veterans and their spouse at both the Lowe Center in Cassopolis and Front Street Crossing in Dowagiac with a FREE lunch sponsored by Starks Family Funeral Homes. Lunch is served at the Lowe Center from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and at Front Street Crossing from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please call for reservations.