50+ Lifestyles

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month….

By David W. Deuth, CFSP
President, Weerts Funeral Home

At this time on this date in the year of 1918, the armistice or ceasefire of World War I was officially declared. Few
living today could recall it. Few living then could possibly forget it.

For the nearly one hundred years since, nations around the world have held in high regard this day as an opportunity to thank those who have worn – and continue to wear – the uniforms of their military.

May these United States ever be so.

Known now as Veteran’s Day in the United States, November 11th is a day set apart on a national scale to honor those who have served and survive – and, notwithstanding neither the importance nor the intention of Memorial Day – to also honor and remember those who have served and are no longer with us.

Our forefathers had a vision of a nation that would center on the ideals of independence and peace and liberty and freedom. They envisioned it. They sought it. They fought for it. And they died for it.

Each generation since has embraced the responsibility of these ideals and has defended the colors that represent them. They have fought for them. And died for them. And preserved them.

After more than two centuries, our nation’s currency is yet emblazoned with two declarations that were central to the spirit of our forefathers and to the nation we would become:
“E Pluribus Unum” – the Latin phrase translated to mean “out of many, one” – reminding each citizen from generation to generation that we are one as Americans, regardless of how many we become; and “In God We Trust” – the succinct declaration of the strong faith that served as the underpinning of their efforts to secure freedom and liberty for all.
Many nations observe Armistice Day. They should.

And so must we.

May we always hold in the highest regard this day as an opportunity to thank those who have worn – and continue to wear – the uniforms of our nation’s military. May we continue to embrace the ideals of independence and peace and liberty and freedom even as they defend the same. May we never forget that freedom isn’t free. May we be forever grateful for our freedom – and for those who have fought to preserve it.

May these United States ever be so.

Remember Well.

David W. Deuth, CFSP, is the owner of Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport and RiverBend Cremation and Quad Cities Pet cremation in Bettendorf. He can be reached at (563) 424-7055 or by email at Dave@WeertsFH.com.