During
my time as a chaplain at Casa de la Luz Hospice, I have had the privilege of
serving many veterans. It is an honor to participate in the Honoring Veterans
Ceremonies where we present our patients who are veterans with a plaque and a
blanket with the seal of the military branch in which they served. I’ve also had the
benefit of hearing some of the stories that these veterans have about their
time in service.
Vets
tell me funny stories, like one who was issued a weapon he had not been trained
to fire. Fortunately, he never had to use it. Another told me about how even
during the worst part of the Vietnam war, his friends found creative and funny
ways to play pranks on each other.
Other
vets sometimes shared darker moments of their experiences. One veteran of World
War II shared with me something that had bothered him for decades. “I just
wanted to unload that to someone before I die,” he told me.
Most
veterans don’t talk about their combat experiences. One talked with me about
decorations others in his unit had received. I asked if he had been decorated.
“Oh,” he said, “I got the standard ribbons for making my bed and brushing my teeth.”
When this gentleman passed, his family asked me to officiate at his funeral,
and it was then I found out about the many medals he had received and the many
acts of selfless service and bravery he had performed in dangerous situations.
One
highly decorated patient was unable to speak, but I had read about him several
years prior. His family was pleased that I had known of him through that
publication, and talked with me about some of his military experiences that
were not listed in the book.
As
I did not serve in the military, sometimes I am ignorant of the customs and
courtesies that are required when a vet is honored at a funeral. The honor
guard members and base personnel have been helpful and supportive when I have
worked with them, and the family members are always appreciative of the efforts
made to honor their loved ones.
When
I meet with these men and women, I am always aware of their service and
sacrifice for all of us, and aware of the living history they provide. Most
veterans downplay their service; some do not even want to be recognized, but to
honor them at the end of their lives is a special privilege that is part of our
daily service to our patients and their loved ones.
By
Tom Saunders, Chaplain
thanks
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