We Honor Veterans

Written by Sandy Duggan, Chair of the We Honor Veterans Program at Home Health & Hospice Care

The late Mr. Gilbert Bemis of Nashua receives a certificate at a Recognition Ceremony honoring his service during the Korean War.

As Veterans Day approaches and Home Health & Hospice Care prepares to recognize and honor veterans in the community, I think about all the veteran patients I’ve had the privilege to meet in the last 3 years as a part of our We Honor Veterans Program. As they face short- or long-term illness head on, they continue to exemplify the qualities that have served to protect our country—they are loyal, proud, stoic and self-reliant. However, when asking them about their service they are unfailingly humble. “Only those in combat were heroes.” They need to know that no matter what they did, they put their lives on hold, signed a blank check for their lives to the U.S. Government and did what they were told to do.

While veterans downplay their contribution, they are deeply appreciative when recognized for their service. A core element of our We Honor Veterans program is the offering of a Recognition Ceremony which may be attended by families, friends, volunteers and staff. A veteran volunteer representing the same branch of military service expresses gratitude for the veteran honoree’s service, presents a We Honor Veterans pin that symbolizes unwavering appreciation for protecting our freedom, and concludes with a salute as a show of respect and honor.

We have conducted two hundred such ceremonies so far, to honor cooks and air traffic controllers; mechanics and tail gunners; radio repairman and intelligence specialists; cryptographers and paratroopers…and many more. At the ceremonies, I see their families gather around them and ask questions they’ve never asked before. And what I have learned in these very real moments is that the contribution and legacy of every person who has served our country, in any role, anywhere is a critical link in maintaining our sweet liberty.

What can we do for these dedicated and courageous men and women? Offer grateful acknowledgment, respectful inquiry, and compassionate listening. Every service experience shared— with family or others— is an opportunity to learn and remember how each and every veteran has protected the principles that we stand for, the safety of our citizens and the future of our democracy. Do it now and for the ages. It is our gift.