May 24, 2019
Honoring Our Veterans: EveryStep Flag Stands
One in four dying Americans is a veteran. EveryStep Hospice and its dedicated Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers strive to provide these veterans with comfort, care and honor as they traverse the dying process.
Our veteran patients and their families may choose to take part in a Veteran “pinning” ceremony during their time in our care. These special ceremonies provide honor, dignity and recognition to veterans at the end of their lives. Family members and friends are often on hand with EveryStep staff and volunteers during the celebratory events.
The ceremonies include the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer of thanks, the awarding of a veteran service flag pin, the singing of “God Bless America,” a reading of What is a Veteran, and the presentation of a certificate of recognition.
Veterans also receive a small American flag to keep. In the past, this flag was provided as a stand-alone commemorative piece that families and patients could choose to do with as they wished.
Recently, several of our Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers decided it was time to provide patients and their families with a way to proudly display their new flag.
EveryStep volunteers Jim Donlan and Chuck Jennisch donated their time, materials and talents to craft 100 flag pedestals to do just that. The woodworkers created oak flag pedestals affixed with small “We Honor Veterans” placards provided by the EveryStep Foundation.
The new pedestals, which showcase the small flags beautifully, have already been presented to veteran patients.
Earlier this month, Vietnam veteran and EveryStep Hospice patient, Ken Holm was honored during a veteran pinning ceremony at Kavanagh House on 56th Street. During the presentation, Donlan, also a Vietnam veteran, gifted Holm with the small flag and new pedestal.
The new displays have been distributed to all EveryStep Hospice locations for use in future veteran pinning ceremonies.