Grand Rapids, May 19, 2015 – Hospice of Michigan will honor veterans with two pinning ceremonies in West Michigan in honor of Memorial Day.
Veterans representing each of the military branches will be presented a certificate reflecting their branch of military service and an American flag pin honoring and thanking them for their military service. The pinning ceremonies may also include a special “Missing Man” ceremony honoring MIA/POW service members, a candle-lighting ceremony honoring the sacrifice of family members of veterans, a rifle volley or a performance of taps.
HOM’s pinning ceremonies are open to the public, and media are welcome to attend.
Services will be held as follows:
- Thursday, May 21 at Sanctuary at St. Mary’s, 1050 Four Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, from 2:30-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 27 at Metron of Cedar Springs, 400 Jeffery St., 2:30-4 p.m.
Hospice of Michigan is a participant of the We Honor Veterans program, a partnership between the Veterans Administration and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, or NHPCO. The program was developed to enhance care for veterans at the end of life and includes both educational and ceremonial elements.
Participating hospices receive training to recognize and treat the unique issues facing military families, provide access to community resources, and facilitate cooperation between VA health agencies and hospice services. As a Level Four WHV partner – signifying the organization has met the highest standards set by the VA and NHPCO for this national program – HOM has trained its care teams in 56 counties across Michigan.
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. The nonprofit cares for more than 1,700 patients each day, raising more than $4 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life, including At Home Support™, our advanced illness management program, community-based palliative care and pediatric care programs. HOM provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through its research, training and education arm, the Hospice of Michigan Institute. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.