Memorials and Salutes for Veterans and Caregivers

1. Memorials and SalutesforVeterans and Caregivers

2. Introduction • We Honor Veterans is a national awareness and action program that was developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs. • The program strives to engage and support community hospice providers in better understanding and addressing Veterans’

3. Purpose of Salutes • Recognizes and pays tribute to our Veterans for their service to their nation • Encourages Veterans to share their personal experiences and stories • Provides an opportunity to be reunited with active duty service personnel • Promotes camaraderie among residents living in ALFs, AFCHs and SNFs • Facilitates the creation of a legacy

4. Purpose of Memorials • Provides an opportunity for family, caregivers and staff to honor and remember Veterans who have died • Promotes healing and recovery during the grieving process

5. The Settings • At the Veteran’s bedside (salute) • Peaceful setting such as a private park with outdoor pavilion near a lake or pond (memorials and salutes) • Facility activity room, fellowship hall, community center or meeting room (memorials and salutes)

6. The Essentials • Handicap accessible • Choose a time when parking is readily available • Send memorial invitations to family members or caregivers of Veterans who have died in the preceding six months • Invitations and programs should communicate a patriotic theme

7. Suggestions for Memorials • Twice a year • Spring • Fall • Military holidays • Memorial Day • Veterans’ Day • Armed Forces Day • Pearl Harbor Day • Independence Day

8. Suggestions for Salutes • Public salute • Schedule for military holiday • Send invitation to facility residents, staff and family/caregiver • Private salutes at the bedside for individual Veteran • Film and give DVD to family • Include other Veterans and active military personnel

9. A Special Salute – The Pinning Ceremony • Publicly acknowledges military service and sacrifices • Gives the Veteran an opportunity to share part of his or her story • Can give a sense of meaning and purpose to the Veteran’s life

10. Types of Pinning Ceremonies Planned Impromptu May be connected to a military holiday Takes place in homes or healthcare facility where other Veterans are living • Coordinated to allow family and caregivers to be present • Involves family and other significant people in the Veteran’s life

11. The Pinning Ceremony • Have lapel pins made to reflect your organization or purchase bulk pins with a flag motif • While pinning the Veteran . . . • Acknowledge Veteran’s service • Ask Veteran to share stories of service • Thank the Veteran “Thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to serve our country.”

12. Recognition Certificates Recognition Certificates can be found by clicking below: Certificates by Branch

13. Decorations and Setup • Arrange head table with a patriotic tablecloth and red, white and blue accessories. • For Memorials – an encased tri-fold American flag behind red, white and blue candles. Silk flowers and greenery could be added. • Arrange Veterans’ photos and other military memorabilia around flag and candles.

14. Decorations and Setup • Additional decorations – red, white and blue buntings or yellow ribbons tied to pavilion pillars and trees. • Other decorations may include patriotic place mats and centerpieces set on refreshment tables. • A “Missing Man Table” could be set in a prominent place in the room for memorials.

15. The Service • Arrange for active duty military personnel to attend Veterans Salutes through Public Information Offices at military bases. • Veteran volunteers can assist with escorting guests to their seats, in uniform, if possible.

16. The Service … the beginning • Play patriotic music as guests arrive and sign guest book • U.S. Army Band; 1-800-USA-AWAY; www.band.goarmy.com • U.S. Air Force Concert Band; 1-800-423-USAF; www.airforce.com • The Vocal Majority Chorus; Freedom’s Song; 800-vmsongs; www.vocalmajority.com

17. The Service … program • Welcome by Bereavement Services Manager • Posting of Colors (for Salute), enlist VFW Color Guard, JROTC, Cadet Unit, or Boy Scout Troop • Invocation by Hospice Team Chaplain

18. The Service … Program • Inspirational song (e.g.: “An American Hymn”) played or performed by vocalist and accompanist for Memorial • National anthem for Veterans Salute • Inspirational reading: • Words of reflection by team member

19. The Service …continued • Team nurse or nurse aide reads a litany or remembrance • Hand out certificates of recognition with name of Veteran to family members • Invite survivors to share a personal reflection or have a Veteran volunteer share personal stories affirming the journey through grief

20. The Service …continued • Inspirational song performed (e.g., “Let there be peace”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”) • Team Chaplain performs benediction, offers invitation to fellowship and refreshments • Postlude of patriotic music plays in the background

21. Useful Websites • Summary of Military Conflicts in U.S. History http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0931831.html • Veterans History Project http://www.loc.gov/vets/dates-2004.html • Veteran Demographics www.va.gov/vetdata/demographics/VP2001adjcntdth.html

22. Useful Websites • Small Gifts http://www.abetteridea.com/july _4th_flag_bracelets.html • Memorial Tree http://www.treegivers.com/index-veterans-day.html • www.webhealing.com/links.html • www.healing-grief-support.com/grief-rituals-3.html • www.fieldsbooks.com/cgi-bin/fields