Celebrating Service – Ed’s Veteran Pinning Ceremony
At 95, Ed Larson has many different stories to share about his life including his service in the U.S. Air Force as a WWII pilot. After graduating from flight school in 1944, Ed transported planes to China, India and Burma and piloted both C46’s and B24’s.
Ed’s service in the military was the focus of a very special Veteran pinning ceremony hosted by Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Family, friends and neighbors gathered virtually and in-person (six feet apart) for the outside ceremony. Ed’s hospice social worker even arrived early to set up a Zoom meeting for Ed’s granddaughters to participate in the pinning ceremony. The service featured the presentation of a pin, plaque and U.S. flag.
Ed’s hospice social worker, spiritual care counselor and hospice nurse were on hand to facilitate this meaningful event. After the pinning, hospice music therapist Anya Ismail led the group in patriotic song with “American the Beautiful”, “This Land is Your Land” and “God Bless America”.
Hospice of Santa Cruz County is a proud level 4 partner of the We Honor Veterans program. Together with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Hospice of Santa Cruz County is committed to bringing comfort, dignity and quality of life to Veterans in our community. Hospice of Santa Cruz County is now working to become a level 5 partner through continued collaboration with the Palo Alto VA.
The goals of the We Honor Veterans program:
- Thank Veterans for their service to our country
- Provide Veterans with an opportunity to tell their stories
- Link Veterans and their families to services and benefits available to them
- Offer special pinning ceremonies to honor Veterans
- Show appreciation for the families of Veterans and support them as they support their loved one
America’s Veterans have made many sacrifices in serving our country and it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Simple acts of gratitude at the end-of-life can be healing, especially for those Veterans who were never welcomed home or thanked for their service.
Hospice of Santa Cruz County is dedicated to honoring wishes and tailoring care to meet the special needs of Veterans and their families.