Nov 11: Thank you to all veterans & those who cannot be thanks in person

socialjustice_fsu · 11-12-2010, 06:09 PM

I had the honor and privilege to stand before a group of approximately 300 Veterans and their loved ones to deliver a speech of gratitude for their valor and sacrifices. The hospice I work for as a licensed clinical social worker had taken to task to show our collective appreciation to the Veteran's we often serve in the healthcare arena. Never could you have convinced me I would be making this presentation even a year ago. Many in attendance were WWII Veterans. To look out into a sea of weathered, worn, and tired Veterans' faces and see their tears fall as I (very choked up) said to them "Thank you for your service...you are, indeed, The Greatest Generation." At the conclusion of my speech each Veteran's name was called. Our staff presented them with a distinguished certificate of appreciation and a lapel pin in honor of their service. At each pinning several active military men and women walked up to them and saluted them. I will tell you from my heart...I witnessed men and women pulling themselves up from their wheelchairs and returning the salute back to them. Many have Alzheimer's or a form of dementia...but somehow by the Grace of God they knew...they really knew for just a few minutes they were being honored. Some uttered words today that have not spoken in 2 or 3 years. For me, I have been honored to be in their presence. To be a witness to this event has softened my heart and fostered my pride in still the greatest Nation on earth.

Thank you, Veteran's. You will not be forgotten.

11-12-2010, 06:09 PM	#13
socialjustice_fsu Member How Do You Identify?: Feminine Preferred Pronoun?: She, her Relationship Status: It’s all good. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The gulf waters are sapphire blue and the beach sand is white as snow. Posts: 607 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,866 Thanked 2,155 Times in 439 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	Today... I had the honor and privilege to stand before a group of approximately 300 Veterans and their loved ones to deliver a speech of gratitude for their valor and sacrifices. The hospice I work for as a licensed clinical social worker had taken to task to show our collective appreciation to the Veteran's we often serve in the healthcare arena. Never could you have convinced me I would be making this presentation even a year ago. Many in attendance were WWII Veterans. To look out into a sea of weathered, worn, and tired Veterans' faces and see their tears fall as I (very choked up) said to them "Thank you for your service...you are, indeed, The Greatest Generation." At the conclusion of my speech each Veteran's name was called. Our staff presented them with a distinguished certificate of appreciation and a lapel pin in honor of their service. At each pinning several active military men and women walked up to them and saluted them. I will tell you from my heart...I witnessed men and women pulling themselves up from their wheelchairs and returning the salute back to them. Many have Alzheimer's or a form of dementia...but somehow by the Grace of God they knew...they really knew for just a few minutes they were being honored. Some uttered words today that have not spoken in 2 or 3 years. For me, I have been honored to be in their presence. To be a witness to this event has softened my heart and fostered my pride in still the greatest Nation on earth. Thank you, Veteran's. You will not be forgotten.

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