United Hospice Hosts Annual Veterans Recognition Event

United Hospice of Rockland (UHR) recently held its annual Veterans Recognition event for almost 160 veterans, loved ones, caregivers, volunteers and staff. After a screening of “Honor Flight,” a documentary about a mid west community’s honoring of its World War II veterans by arranging free flights to the World War II memorial in Washington, DC, Rockland veterans were encouraged to make the trip. Bill Sestrom, representing Hudson Valley Honor Guard, provided applications to World War II veterans and told them that veterans accepted for the Honor Flight trip on April 26, 2014 from Stewart Airport would have limousine transportation.

During the event at the Salvation Army Conference Center in West Nyack, the Marine Corps Honor Guard brought in the colors and, World War II veteran Bill Farber sang “America the Beautiful.” Rockland Veteran of the Year Ken Walters led us the Pledge of Allegiance and was the recipient of a special pinning ceremony. Walter, who served in the Pacific and occupation of Japan, was a technician fifth grade and received World War II Victory and Occupation of Japan medals.

The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble played the “Army Forces Medley” and every veteran received a specially designed hospice pin, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. This is a UHR tradition repeated every time hospice cares for a veteran, making sure they are recognized and their special needs are considered.

Walters gave his application to Sestrom before the event concluded and predicted that every World War II veteran who saw this movie would send their application in as well.

Walters asked, “How could you resist?”

The event, which has been held for annually for almost a decade, was sponsored and supported by Dignity Memorial, Elder Law Attorneys Lee A. Hoffman Jr., CELA, Sara L. Keating, Neil Goldstein, John Settle, Steve Stavros and John Wickes and Bill Fowler. UHR provides care, comfort and improved quality of life to individuals affected by serious illness and offers compassionate support to families and members of the community