On November 10th, 2023, our Veterans were honored and saluted at our Veterans Day Program led by Marine, Nick Hawkey. Nick has been leading our Veterans Day Program for the past 20 years. After some welcoming words by CM, Nancy S, of the Activities Department, to our residents, family members, staff, and veterans, Nick led us in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag”. Nancy directed us in singing the “National Anthem”. She also shared interesting facts about the history of Veterans Day. Nick conversed about some of his personal experiences while serving in the Marine Corp.
We joined Nancy in singing “America the Beautiful”, which was then followed by Nick reading the poem, “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae. At this time Nick presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a Flag Pin, to the Veterans who were sitting at the front of the room, with a salute, a hand shake, and encouraging and appreciative words. This year, the certificates and pins were graciously provided by Compassus.
Each person, in attendance, was called upon to announce their family members who also served in the military, so they could be remembered and honored as well. Emotions ran high throughout the program including pride, happiness, sadness, and some tears. We agreed that we are all proud to be Americans and so thankful for those who served to keep us free.
After Nancy closed the program with a prayer, we sang “God Bless America”. The Veterans were escorted by activity staff from the Grande Room, one at a time, as they received cheers and applause for their service by those in attendance.
