Honoring Veterans

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. 

This Veterans Day, Minnesotans will gather to show their respect and gratitude to the millions of Americans who have sacrificed on our behalf since the birth of our great nation. At ceremonies and parades across the nation, veterans from every generation will be honored. This includes members of the Greatest Generation, heroes who stormed the beaches at Normandy and the South Pacific to liberate millions from tyranny. It also includes those who defended freedom in Korea and Vietnam, as well as our current generation of heroes who have fought terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world. 

Ecumen has the distinct honor and privilege of serving veterans and their loved ones throughout the many Ecumen communities across Minnesota and other states. As the Senior Vice President of Operations, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these heroes and their family members. It is a humbling experience to listen to the stories and share in the conversations. I also would like to acknowledge and pay a tribute to the many Ecumen employees who served our country and now partner to serve our 12,000+ customers every year.

We often hear "freedom is not free," and I believe this to be true. Don’t wait until November 11th to thank a veteran or their family for their service and sacrifices. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans and every day should be viewed as Veterans Day across our great nation. 

As we innovate, empower and honor in our work at Ecumen, we take this moment to express our gratitude and honor the nearly 50 service men and women who work at Ecumen communities, and all of the veterans in the Ecumen family.

Share Your Veteran Story or Tribute

This Veterans Day, Ecumen invites you to honor a veteran with your story or tribute. Join us in saluting The Greatest Generation – and all generations – who have helped make America the greatest country in the world! Go to https://www.ecumen.org/honor/.