Honoring those who served: Intermountain Health caregivers pay tribute to veterans

Despite the bustle of the Heber Valley Hospital Emergency Department in Heber City, Utah, the room falls silent, quietly filling with reverence, honor, and respect. Two caregivers approach the body of a veteran. American flag in hand, they pause for a moment before carefully draping the flag over the deceased. A tribute to a life spent in the service of others.?

Observed annually on November 11, Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, reflect on their courage and dedication to our country, and thank them for their service. Throughout the year, our caregivers find meaningful ways to honor and support veterans and their families.

A final salute at Heber Valley Hospital?

Emergency department technician Adam Butler had the idea to honor veterans who die at the hospital by draping American flags over their bodies. Having a brother who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, Adam understood the impact such a gesture could have.?

When the ED team knows a deceased patient was a veteran, they place a flag on the body and later present it to the patient’s family.?

“We wanted an identifier for patients who were veterans,” said Sarah Oliver, emergency department manager.?

In addition to the flag, the team presents the family with a certificate that explains the flag’s origin and a sympathy card signed by caregivers.

Recently, the team saw the impact of this tribute when a veteran’s son was informed of the process after his father’s death. “[The son] was so humbled that his father was honored, he started bawling,” Sarah said. “It has made grieving a more human experience, which means a lot to the surviving family members.”?

Lutheran Hospice celebrates service?

Lutheran Hospice in Wheat Ridge, Colorado is part of We Honor Veterans, an organization focuses on end-of-life care for the brave men and women who have served our country. Lutheran Hospice performs weekly pinning ceremonies for veterans to thank them for their selfless and courageous service.

During the ceremonies, veterans are gifted a quilt, certificate, poem, and a list of resources to help veterans in hospice.

Larry Sturgeon, a Vietnam War veteran and Lutheran Hospice volunteer, attended a ceremony and presented a veteran who served in three wars with a piece of an American flag that had a star on it, Vietnam veterans' beads, and a We Honor Veterans pin.

Larry said, “Carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.” Then, he saluted him and said, “Welcome home."?

“The pinning ceremonies are so special, especially to the men and women who served during the Vietnam era,” said Ginger Cooley, Lutheran Hospice liaison. “Most were never welcomed home, and this is a tribute to honor them and say, ‘Welcome home.’ The veteran no longer feels forgotten, stories are told, and sometimes for the first time, healing happens, and memories are made that will last forever.” ?