Veterans Day 2019 provided Kathryn Tucker with a comforting memory she can look back on today. As she watched then, her father, U.S. Navy veteran Richard Lutz, was honored for his military service by his Sanctuary Hospice caregivers. Although age and illness had taken their toll, Lutz was gratified by the recognition. It consisted, in part, of presentation of a patriotic pin and certificate of thanks.

“The staff gathered around, and he was given notes and cards from local children as well as a framed declaration,” Tucker recounted. “It’s really nice for seniors to be acknowledged for accomplishments, whether present or past.”

This tribute is just one way Sanctuary reaches out to veterans it cares for, whether they are in-home patients or have been transferred to the hospice facility in Tupelo. Many patients are from the Golden Triangle.

“We participate in ‘We Honor Veterans,’ which is a nationally-recognized hospice initiative,” said Heather Palmer, director of Outreach and Fundraising for Sanctuary. “We Honor Veterans” is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It invites hospices, state hospice organizations, hospice-veteran partnerships and VA facilities to recognize the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families.

Palliative social worker Laura Hellums oversees the program for Sanctuary. She provides resources to help veterans receive any assistance needed in exploring benefits or programs available to them. Her young son even does his part

“My son’s daycare always colors pictures (for veterans) or writes them a note,” Hellums said.

When Richard Lutz passed away only a few weeks after Veterans Day last year at the hospice house, Tucker was deeply touched when his service to country was recognized yet again.

“Our protocol, with family permission, is that we cover the body of the deceased when they leave us with a flag,” explained Palmer. “Our staff and the family members gather in the hallway and we play ‘Taps,’ with our hands over our hearts, as the funeral homes leave. We felt this was an important step to not only honor the deceased but also to honor and pay respect to the families.”

Tucker recalls the day well.

“It was very moving. You’re just in the midst of your own whirlwind of emotion … and to be recognized and appreciated like that in that moment was an important and meaningful piece of his passing. … At the end of a long journey of his dementia and cancer care, to have a closing piece that was filled with honor and respect, I’ll never forget it.”

Tim and Barbara Kimbrell of Columbus also value the empathy expressed when Tim’s father, Jim, passed away at the inpatient facility in February this year. Jim Kimbrell was an Army veteran, serving from 1958 to 1964.

“It’s something I have never seen before. It was beautiful, the way they did it,” said Barbara Kimbrell of the procession as her father-in-law left the hospice house for the last time.

“We all lined the hall. They were playing ‘Taps.’ It’s emotional talking about it,” she said.

Tim Kimbrell added, “Everybody showed real good respect for him being in the military.”

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As Veterans Day 2020 — Nov. 11 — approaches, Sanctuary Hospice staff are readying for this year’s pinning ceremonies, preparing to again recognize those who served. It also sends out an appeal for volunteers who are veterans willing to spend time with patients who are veterans. Some may be able to visit at the inpatient facility. Other volunteers may know a veteran under hospice in-home care in their county.

“Sometimes it’s for social interaction; some don’t get a lot of company … it’s somebody that they can relate to specifically,” noted Hellums.

Barbara Kimbrell said, “It would mean the world to those patients.”

She recalled how her late father-in-law, while staying at an assisted living facility, enjoyed chatting with some fellow residents, also veterans.

“They would get together and talk about their days in the service and what they did, so I can imagine being in hospice and having someone come by where they can talk about their past, about their service, about what they did for their country and the impact it had on their lives.”

It could lead, she added, to families learning more about a part of their loved ones’ lives.

“What a great way to get to know a grandfather or great-grandpa for a child — and those are memories that child is going to remember for the rest of his life.”

Editor’s note: If you are a veteran interested in volunteering, contact Laura Hellums at Sanctuary Hospice, 662-844-2111.

Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.