Veterans Archives • Blog | Found and Sons Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service

How to Honor Veterans and Their Families

You might know that November 11th is Veteran’s Day, which is celebrated every year in America to honor those who’ve served their country. But did you know that the entirety of November is also related to veterans? Or, more specifically, their families.

November is Military Family Month—a time to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifices our military families make alongside their veterans. Wondering how to honor our veterans and their families? Below are a few simple things you can do to show your gratitude and support.

Ways to Honor Your Veterans

Thank a Veteran

There are around 19 million veterans in the U.S. right now, and while you can’t thank all of them, you can certainly make the veterans in your life feel appreciated. Even if it’s an active-duty military member you pass on the street, take the time to thank them. You can even send a letter or postcard to a veteran, or if you don’t know one, send it to the closest military installation.

Listen to Their Stories

Being a veteran is something that non-veterans likely won’t understand, but you can still offer to listen. Some veterans might be hesitant to share their stories, especially if they were active in combat. But if a veteran offers to speak, listen. Ask them questions if they’re willing to answer (remember to be sensitive and respectful) and give them your full attention.

Donate

There are several organizations that are dedicated to helping veterans. Check here for some ideas on where you can donate.

Visit a VA Hospital or Senior Living Community

Find out where your nearest VA hospital or senior living community that houses veterans is, and check their policies. If you can, spend a day with a veteran, or attend any events they might have. You can even volunteer at the facility to help.

Ways to Honor Military Families

Veterans deserve an abundance of support, but so do their families. Here are some ways you can show your appreciation this Military Family Month.

Offer Your Time

Military spouses experience a lot of changes and struggles—frequent moves, deployments, caring for their family, and more. So if you can offer your time in any capacity, by babysitting or running errands, it can help give them a breather.

Donate on Their Behalf

Donating to a veterans’ charity on behalf of a military family is a great way to show them that you care and are willing to support them.

Perform a Random Act of Kindness

Take the time out of your day to perform an act of kindness. It can be anonymous, like writing them a thank you note or leaving them a care package. Or, you can thank them publicly on social media and recognize their sacrifice.

Ask Them How You Can Help

The easiest way to know how to help a military family? Ask them what they need, and do your best to provide it, whether it’s a listening ear, help with the chores, or anything else.

You don’t have to wait until November to honor veterans and their families. At Found and Sons Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services, we recognize and are always grateful for the huge sacrifices our veterans make everyday. To learn more, take a look at our Veteran’s Services or contact us today.

Thanking Our Veterans

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is our day to give thanks to the men and women who have served in the military. On this upcoming Veterans Day, we hope that you join us in taking a moment to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made and thank a veteran in your community.

A History – Celebration and Tribute

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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 the nations…”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Ways to Show Appreciation

The sense of pride in all veterans is tantamount to the preservation of our freedoms and way of life. Thank a veteran every day, not just on Veterans Day.” Here are some ways you can say “thanks.”

Attend services and observances in your area
Donate – There are plenty of organizations that offer all manner of support, services, and appreciation for our service members. To get a few ideas for donations, you can click here.
Fly the American flag
Ask someone about their service
Write – If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. Small acts of recognizing someone’s service, even anonymously, are appreciated.
Spend time with a Veteran outdoors – Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being, and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran

Veteran’s Services

We truly believe that the men and women who answered our nation’s call embody the ideals Americans hold so dear. Because they have proven their devotion to their fellow citizens and to a grateful nation, we all owe them the same respect and devotion in return. We are proud to honor those who have served. To learn more about Veteran’s Services or to see if you or a Veteran you know is eligible, click here.

Veteran Burials – What You Need to Know

It’s the time of year when all Americans observe and honor our brave veteran heroes. If there’s anything we know about Culpeper and Fredericksburg families, it’s how patriotic they are! For the family members and friends of these U.S. veterans, Veterans Day is especially meaningful. And for all of us, Veterans Day renews a deep appreciation for all American veterans who have honorably served or are currently serving our great country.

At Found and Sons Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service, we make honoring our veterans a priority, and we wish to help you plan a respectful funeral. We want our veterans and their family members to know when it comes to memorializing a soldier’s life, he or she deserves only the best.

Most veterans know they can be buried in one of the 135 national cemeteries, with available space. In order to prepare, presenting your discharge papers is a very important part of establishing your eligibility in these cemeteries. However, many veterans wish to be buried close to their family and friends in their hometown in a private cemetery. For veterans from Culpeper and Fredericksburg, our qualified staff is ready to plan a respectful military service for our local heroes.

During a military funeral service, military men and women will honor the veteran with a burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate. The burial flag is generally given to next of kin. The U.S. government will provide the headstone or marker, and some veterans are even entitled to burial allowances, meaning partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs.

An important step in planning a veteran’s funeral is choosing the best way to pay tribute to your loved one’s life. At Found and Sons, we offer many special touches to help you personalize the service, including tribute videos, personalized printing, memorial websites, flowers, and specifically for veterans, a flag presentation with a 21-rifle salute.

We can help you through all these arrangement steps and find out exactly what you are entitled to while planning a funeral for a veteran. We work with these wonderful families often and know the process well. For more information, you can go to https://www.va.gov, or call our funeral homes at any time.

We Are Proud to Fly the Flag for Our Veterans

We Are Proud to Fly the Flag for Our Veterans

As we consider the young men and women who have fought for our freedom throughout the years, whether overseas and protecting our borders at home, the words “You’re a grand ole’ flag, you’re a high-flying flag” take on special meaning. As Americans – and as people from Culpeper, Fredericksburg, and the surrounding Virginia areas – we are so proud of what our country stands for, proud of the accomplishments our countrymen have achieved, proud of the brave men and women who have fought for our rights, and proud to live in a land that is free.

Our nation’s flag is the symbol of these freedoms and achievements. Whether it is on your storefront or on your front door, an American flag can demonstrate your patriotism for our country. As Memorial Day is just a few weeks away, it is easy to pull out a flag and show our neighbors and friends our American spirit, but keep in mind, it takes more to wave the flag high all year long.

Respecting the Stars and Stripes

Are you aware of the proper flag etiquette? It is important, as Americans, to follow the rules for handling and displaying the flag. Do you know them?

You should never let the flag touch the ground.
It should be taken inside at sunset unless it has a light shining on it.
The raising and lowering of the flag should be done in a quick, efficient manner.
Once the flag is down it should immediately be folded and put away.
A flag should be replaced once it becomes faded, tattered, or torn.
The old flag should be disposed of in a respectful manner. While there are several ways to respectfully dispose of the American flag, the most common method is burning it in a special ceremony.

Honoring and Remembering Our Veterans

Found and Sons Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service also has a year-long focus on honoring those who have nobly served our country and passed away. At no additional cost, a U.S. burial flag will be provided and draped on either a casket or urn alongside a veteran. The flag is given as a keepsake to the next-of-kin following the funeral or memorial service.

At Found and Sons Funeral Chapels and Cremation Service, we also can honor veterans by incorporating a flag ceremony into the funeral. At your request, we will arrange American soldiers to present a loved one with a folded American flag in appreciation from the president and all the citizens of the United States for the deceased’s service for this great country. This touching tribute allows everyone to recognize the deceased’s bravery and remember their accomplishments, while also giving loved ones a very special treasure by which to remember the deceased. This flag can then be placed in a glass case to display at home with other memorabilia from that unforgettable person’s life.

There are other ways you can highlight military accomplishments in their funeral service. Contact the caring team at Found and Sons when it’s time to honor your veteran, or if you are a veteran and would like to put all of your funeral plans in place ahead of time.

And remember that all Americans have the amazing opportunity to display their patriotism by flying the flag high and proud.

“And forever in peace may you wave.”

A Tribute to Veterans

A Tribute to Veterans

This is the month we set aside to honor American veterans – those valiant soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen of the U.S. Armed Forces – who all share a dedication to the defense of freedom. For generations, veterans have honored us with this sacrifice, and so all of us here at Found and Sons take our responsibility to honor them in death very seriously. We work hand in hand with their families in Culpeper and Fredericksburg to create a personalized tribute that celebrates the veteran’s life, passion, and special moments. There are a number of meaningful ways to pay tribute to these heroes, and we offer all of these options here at Found and Sons.

First, upon the request of a surviving family member, all honorably discharged veterans – regardless of rank or whether or not they were on active duty – qualify for military funeral honors. A U.S flag is provided for their casket or urn in honor of their military service and is given to the next-of-kin after the funeral. The military funeral ceremony itself consists of the folding and presenting of the American flag by two uniformed military officers and the customary playing of Taps by a bugler. Additionally, the family of the deceased will receive a special certificate from the President of the United States, known as the Presidential Memorial Certificate. This document further expresses recognition of the veteran’s dedication to his or her country. Many are also eligible for special funeral and burial benefits due to their honorable service.

In addition to military funeral honors, another particularly good way to highlight a veteran’s life is to create a funeral memorial program. As part of this program, you can incorporate pictures of them in uniform as well as information about his or her military experience, including years of active service, tour(s) of duty, and any medals or honors received. Many choose to create a memorial program that provides a look at their friend or family member’s life on a deeper level. If that’s your choice, know you can include a few of your loved one’s favorite stories from their time in active duty. This is a wonderful way to highlight the veteran’s special qualities and the impact he or she had on others.

The best gift family and friends can give to a deceased veteran at his or her death is a tribute which truly celebrates who they were as an individual. We can help you create a unique and meaningful service that focuses not on the veteran’s death, but on the honorable life, he or she lived.