Muskegon, Michigan, October 2, 2014 – Hospice of Michigan will honor veterans with a special pinning ceremony in Muskegon on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Clock’s Funeral Home, 1469 Peck St. 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.
HOM’s pinning ceremonies are open to the public, and media are welcome to attend.
“Many military veterans have never been formally thanked for their service to our country,” said Dr. Michael Paletta, executive director of the Hospice of Michigan Institute. “Our pinning ceremonies not only provide well-deserved recognition for our veterans, but they also allow time to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the military in an effort to preserve our freedom.”
Many of the Muskegon-area veterans being recognized at the Oct. 21 pinning ceremony are also participating in Legends Flight of Western Michigan’s all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. HOM is one of many sponsors of the day-long trip, which included airfare and a tour of the World War II memorial as well as other national monuments. During the HOM pinning ceremony, veterans who attended the trip will receive a scrapbook that includes photos from their journey.
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. Paletta, who is also a retired Colonel and flight surgeon, serves as the executive champion of We Honor Vets for Hospice of 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 non-profit 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 healthcare 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.