Honoring our veterans
CNS patient, Cecil Bruton, received an Honor Salute ceremony, acknowledging his 20-year mili tary service, including two tours in Vietnam and numerous earned medals, badges, and awards. For the ceremony, he was joined at home by his family and, despite enduring a mountain of painful health issues, was alert and able to understand what was going on and appreciate the moment.
His daughter, Cathy, was so grateful that her dad could be honored during his lifetime, instead of after he had passed. She shares, “I like the part explained the symbolism. It was really special. He was a strong and resilient man which helped him throughout his military and civilian life.” Through tears, she added, “It meant so much to me to show my children what a fabulous man he was through Honor Salute. I am so grateful and proud of my dad for serving our country with honor.”
The CNS Honor Salute program recognizes hospice patients who are veterans. It is a simple but powerful tribute of appreciation for the veteran’s service to our country. Most often it is the last public thank you they will receive.
Military personnel in dress uniform join CNS volunteers and associates at the patient’s residence to conduct a formal ceremony. Veterans are presented with a personalized appreciation plaque, military service lapel pin, and an American salute, honoring the patient who returns it, if able. This unique program gives pride and peace to our veterans while bringing together family and friends to celebrate their loved one’s military service.