Riemann Funeral Home Brings Gulfport Veterans to New Orleans Museum
The funeral home marked its 15th annual trip to the National World War II Museum, bringing local service members to a site where their relatives' names are permanently displayed.
By Robert Ward ·
Veterans Day in New Orleans often brings public ceremonies and parades, but for a group of Gulfport residents, the day centered on a museum visit organized by a local funeral home.
Riemann Family Funeral Homes transported veterans from Gulfport to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. This marks the 15th consecutive year the funeral home has organized this specific trip. Chad Riemann, the company president, stated the goal is to give back to veterans for their service to the country.
The museum serves as a physical link to the past for many attendees. Robert Dell, a Vietnam veteran, noted that his stepfather Cecil Broman and two uncles served in World War II. Dell pointed out that their names are etched into the museum walls. He said, “They’re all passed away now, but their names are still here, so that’s something to think about.”
Tim LaFontaine, also a Vietnam veteran, connected his visit to his own family history. His father was injured in World War II when a shell exploded near him. LaFontaine said that experience inspired him to join the military. Standing near a display uniform, he remarked, “This is an outstanding uniform. Every time I see the people who wore this, it makes me a little emotional.”
Both men felt the trip provided a level of recognition they often lack. Dell said, “That’s a real honor. Most all the veterans don’t get the honor that they deserve.” LaFontaine added that his father’s morals gave him the strength to handle adversaries during his service.
Chad Riemann explained that the trip allows the company to share the holiday with those they serve daily. He said, “We get to serve those veterans every day, and this is just the way to say, actually, thank you to them.” He emphasized that Veterans Day is one of the most important holidays of the year for the funeral home staff.
The National World War II Museum reports that more than 30,000 World War II veterans remain alive in the United States. The Gulfport group joined that shrinking number of living witnesses to the conflict, spending the day reviewing exhibits that detail the era.
