“My family gathered on Sunday, July 21, 2019, to celebrate the 84th birthday of my grandfather, Arthur, and to honor his service in the U.S. Navy with a veteran pinning ceremony. TRU volunteer and fellow veteran of the Korean War, John, began the ceremony with an introduction paying tribute to my grandpa’s service in the military. The ceremony was very touching for him. Being known as someone who hardly shows emotion and often jokes around, my grandpa wiped a tear from his cheek while our whole family gathered to honor his life in service.
We often don’t realize how special and memorable these moments can be, even for people suffering from dementia like my grandfather. The act of the salute, recognition of military service, and time spent with a loved one can cause a memory to spark and emotions to rise. It becomes an opportunity, not only for the veteran, but also for the family to share emotion and mutual respect for military service and a lifetime of memories. This ceremony was the last time many of my family members saw my grandpa. Although we didn’t realize it at the time, this day was immeasurably valuable to all of us – to see his emotion, gather with our family, and honor his life.”
– Roxanne G., Arthur’s granddaughter
Veterans with life-limiting illnesses face unique issues that can exacerbate physical and emotional symptoms at an already difficult time. In response to these challenges, TRU Community Care offers TRU Heroes, a special end-of-life care program tailored to the specific needs of veterans and their families. Because retelling of stories is an important part of what TRU offers to individuals nearing the end of their life, TRU Heroes includes the facilitation of Veteran Pinning Ceremonies like the one Arthur and his family experienced.
Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation to TRU today.
The TRU Heroes program is available thanks to the generous support of donors like you. Thank you for helping us to be there for people like Arthur when they need us most.
