Today, Americans nationwide will take a moment to commemorate the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many will honor Veterans by attending memorial services, watching parades, or laying flowers and planting flags on the graves of Veterans who sacrificed their lives. Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, this year’s Memorial Day will continue to be a bit different. Despite the challenges, Americans will continue to honor those who died in service of the United States. 

As part of Memorial Day Weekend, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, held a Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 28, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. The ceremony honored the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.   
 
“Across our nation this Memorial Day, our citizens and veterans will gather to pay homage to America’s finest men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom,” said Bob Allen, American Pride coordinator at Ohio’s Hospice. “Honored will be those who gave what Abraham Lincoln called the ‘last full measure of devotion’ in the fight for our liberty. We here, living today, have them to thank. The saying that they gave all their tomorrows so that we could have our todays is certainly most true on Memorial Day.” 
 
U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, who represents Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, was the featured speaker at the event, which also included the laying of the wreath, a ritual that pays tribute and honor to those who have died while serving the nation. In addition, the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard performed the Posting the Colors and the Retiring the Colors. 

“The men and women we honor today were real people – sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, wives and husbands. They were strong and vibrant. They loved and were loved. And they are missed,” Allen said. “Today is not about celebrating the beginning of the summer season or a holiday from work. Today is a solemn day of remembrance, a day that should be properly set aside for contemplation. Ask yourself where you would be without the personal sacrifice made by these men and women.” 
 
Just as we remember those who died serving in the U.S. military, Ohio’s Hospice continues to honor Veteran patients each and every day for their service to our nation. Through American Pride® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice, Ohio’s Hospice honors the service of Veteran patients and assures them of receiving the highest quality of care. In addition to celebrating and thanking Veterans for their service, American Pride assists patients in obtaining access to all the benefits to which Veterans are eligible, provides spiritual support, and addresses individual post-traumatic stress issues. Through participation in Veteran recognition ceremonies, Honor Flight, and special observances and celebrations, Ohio’s Hospice celebrates the lives of Veterans and honors their contributions.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio’s Hospice has continued to conduct Veteran recognition ceremonies. While Ohio’s Hospice Veteran volunteers could not be there in person because of social distancing guidelines, they conducted the Veteran recognition ceremony over the telephone or an iPad with the patient. The Veteran volunteer recited the points of recognition while an Ohio’s Hospice staff member administered the pin, certificate and other commemoratives.  
 
“Ohio’s Hospice has long been regarded as a leader in Veteran centric care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became obvious and vital to maintain our high level of honor and respect to our Veteran patients by continuing to celebrate their service with our traditional recognition ceremonies,” Allen said. “Most Veteran patients consider the ceremony to be a highpoint reflecting their past military service.”