Hospice of Southern Illinois joined the We Honor Veterans program not knowing how we could better serve the veteran population. Yesterday was the perfect example of why we became a partner
and how to show appreciation to Veterans who have served this country. In honor
of National Hospice Month and Veteran’s Day, Hospice of Southern Illinois
sponsored Honor Flight The Movie. Honor Flight The Movie, a heartwarming
documentary about living WWII Veterans who were privileged to go to the WWII memorial at no
cost due to efforts by the Honor Flight Network, is undefined by words.
Not only did we show
the movie, but also so many organizations and companies came together to make this a
day to remember with lots of pomp and circumstance. Veterans, admitted into the
movie at no cost thanks to the Veteran Corps of America, were escorted on a red
carpet by ROTC members and Hospice of Southern Illinois' volunteers. They were
then provided free popcorn and soda due to generous donations. Finally, they
were greeted as they entered the Wehrenberg O’Fallon 15 Cine theater. They attended a powerful
ceremony filled with special guests, patriotic music, and celebrations of each
branch of service (click here to watch a clip). After the ceremony, Honor
Flight The Movie played, which to describe in words was emotional,
triumphant, and epic. Our hearts melted for every Veteran and their family who
stood in front of us that day and who we have known or lost throughout the
years.
(Honoring the Branches of Service)
(Left: Our own Kim Oplet, Marine and Hospice of Southern Illinois Employee. Right: ROTC Color Guard)
(Last photo before the movie started.)
Several
said, “It was the best movie I have ever seen!” A Veteran shared, “I went on
the Honor Flight. This movie was…(pause with a big smile) just like I remembered
it.” Others only locked eyes and no words were needed. We feel this event was
the perfect celebration and educational opportunity we could have offered as a commitment
to the We Honor Veterans program.
A
special thank you to all the Veterans, donors, volunteers and attendees who
made the day possible. It was a big day and for those Veterans who won’t or can’t
attend the WWII memorial in Washington D.C., we hope we made this day as
special to you as it was to give it. As Joe Delmer, WWII Veteran, put it, “Every
day is a bonus.” Let this be a reminder of why we celebrate Veterans Day and all
the sacrifices that were made because freedom is never free.
For more photos from the day click here. For information how to apply to get on an Honor Flight, become a guardian, or make a donation visit: http://www.honorflight.org/faq/. To support Hospice of Southern Illinois' efforts to provide end-of-life care to Veterans in your community, contact our development team at 1-800-233-1708.
Happy Veterans Day from Hospice of Southern Illinois
