ROCHELLE — On Saturday, Nov. 11, Americans throughout the world will commemorate Veterans Day, a day set aside to thank our nation’s veterans for service given and sacrifices made to protect the freedoms our great nation.
Beverage Lyons Family Funeral homes of Ashton and Rochelle is one of nearly 1,000 Veterans & Family Memorial Care funeral home providers across America that is sponsoring the 10th Annual -Operation Sweaters For Veterans.
The dates for the promotion have historic significance: Nov. 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918. At 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease, bringing the hostilities of the First World War to an end.

The day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades and the closing of places of business . . . just a few examples of the many joyous demonstrations throughout the world on this historic occasion.
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances: “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 nation.”
Beginning Monday, Nov. 6 thru Friday, Nov. 10, the funeral homes each will be collecting along with Rochelle Community Hospital (containers will be set by every entrance) will be collecting new sweaters and gloves that they will delivered to local VA hospitals, VA homes and Veterans Service Organizations.
Everyone in the community is invited to support our veterans by donating new sweaters and gloves at Beverage Lyons Family Funeral Home, 704 N. 6th St. Rochelle.