Photos and Article by: MaryAnn Ketchum
October 4, 2021
Community-based Treasure Coast Hospice recently collaborated with The Lynmoore at Lawnwood Assisted Living and Memory Support to honor the veterans living there. As a Level Four We Honor Veterans Partner with Veterans Affairs, Treasure Coast Hospice provides care and support to its Veterans and their families and commemorates and honors them for their service.
Joining Treasure Coast Hospice staff and Veteran Volunteers, Lynmoore staff members, Veterans, and their families, Guest Speaker Congressman Brian Mast dedicated the Wall of Heroes, a pictorial of the Veterans followed by a special Veteran
Congressman Mast explained the importance of the ‘why’ of the ceremony.
“You can read it on their (the veterans) hats and shirts, where they served. What they gave, it is something that came from inside of them. They want to be the stitching in this American flag, the thing that holds the whole thing together. They carry this flag on their shoulders and abroad to represent this nation and defend it if need be.”
“These veterans will give their last breath, the last thought in their mind and the last beat of their heart if that’s what it takes to defend what they hold higher than even their own life. That is the ‘why!'”
Mast then joined Hospice Veteran Volunteers Dennis Diamond, Carl Holeva, Dave Canning, and Paul Hernandez in presenting each Veteran with a pin saluting their military service, sacrifice, and contributions. Each received a lovingly crafted, hand-knit patriot red, white, and blue blanket donated to Treasure Coast Hospice by dedicated community groups. The tribute also included a Certificate of Gratitude.
“It is an honor to collaborate with our community partners in recognition of the service and sacrifices of our local veterans,” said Treasure Coast Hospice CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “Treasure Coast Hospice’s We Honor Veterans program helps ensure that our nation’s veterans have access to the compassionate care and support that they and their families deserve.”
Treasure Coast Hospice Music Therapists Kai Chi Ho and Elizabeth Lung serenaded the crowd, singing and strumming America the Beautiful, the Star-Spangled Banner, the anthems of each branch of the military, and other patriotic tunes. Everyone joined in!
The celebration concluded with several tasty treats, including a deliciously moist sheet cake iced in an American flag pattern, snacks, fruits, beverages, and mingling.
For more information about Treasure Coast Hospice, visit www.TreasureHealth.org.