April 2, 2019

Veteran Pinning Ceremony: Honoring Harold Linden

When World War II began, 16-year-old Harold Linden tried to enlist. While he was promptly sent home, serving his country was never far from his mind. Two short years later, he was a member of the Navy.

The 93-year-old EveryStep Hospice patient was recently honored for his service during a Veteran Pinning ceremony at his home in Ankeny.

Veteran Pinning 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 signing of “God Bless America,” a reading of What is a Veteran, and the presentation of a certificate of recognition.

A former aviation mechanic with the Navy, Linden spent his time in the service station in Jacksonville, Florida as one of the original members of the Blue Angels group.

Though it has been years since Linden was an active member of the service, he's always keep in touch with his military and flying roots, often attending the Blue Angels reunions in Florida every few years. He last visited a few years ago, bringing several members of his family.

"You have no idea how much we appreciate the care and attention provided to Harold and Verdal through EveryStep," Nancy Linden, Harold's daughter-in-law, said following the ceremony.

_{(Top) EveryStep volunteer Jim Donlan presents Harold Linden with a veteran service flag pin during a recent Veteran Pinning ceremony.
(Left) Harold Linden enjoys a cupcake, baked by EveryStep Volunteer Norma Baum, following a Veteran Pinning ceremony recently. 
(Right) Family and friends gathered recently to honor Harold Linden for his service during a Veteran Pinning ceremony.}