LEGION POST 68 HONORS VETERANS IN HOSPICE

As veterans near the end of life, they should feel appreciated and valued for their service to our country. One way to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice is to hold a commemorative ceremony for the veteran. In 2023, recognizing the importance of honoring veterans at the end of life, the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 in Leland, under the leadership of Past Commanders Dan Fortini and John Hacker and Veterans Resource Officer Lane Adrian, began participating with Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFLC) to hold special recognition ceremonies for veterans in hospice care.

LCFLC, headquartered in Wilmington, is a nonprofit organization that provides hospice, palliative, and memory care services in several Eastern North Carolina counties, including Brunswick and New Hanover counties. The recognition ceremonies, called “pinnings,” are held at the request of veterans’ families after LCFLC informs the veteran patient of the option at the time of hospice admission. The program allows veteran patients and their families to connect with other veterans. It also enables trained veteran volunteers to show respect and appreciation for veteran patients as they approach the end of life.

All veteran volunteers undergo training in LCFLC’s Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program procedures. While most pinnings occur at the LCFLC facility, ceremonies also take place at the veteran patient’s residence, nursing home, or hospital. According to Laura Long, LCFLC Administrator for the Veterans Pinning program, nearly 500 pinning ceremonies have been held to date. Post 68 participates in recognition ceremonies in Wilmington.

Following standard protocol for each pinning ceremony, each veteran patient receives an enameled flag lapel pin, a small American flag signed by the veteran volunteers, and a framed certificate of appreciation recognizing the veteran’s service. Before the ceremony concludes, each veteran volunteer introduces themselves by name and branch of service, then quietly offers a final comment directly to the recipient. The ceremony is deeply moving for everyone in attendance, including the veterans, family members, and nurses.

Currently, 13 Post 68 members are available to participate in pinning ceremonies. These include Lane Adrian, Gordon Humphreys, Kobe Kelley, Patty Kelley, Wolfgang Lange, Lou Leichtweisz, Ron Lloyd, Jim McAvoy, Bob Page, Rick Rodgers, Jefferey Swan, Sherman Thompson, and Lou Tranzillo. Post 68’s participation in LCFLC pinning ceremonies reinforces and showcases the Post’s commitment to Veterans Serving Veterans. To learn about LCFLC and its veteran support services, visit https://lifecare.org/services/veterans/.