Larry, the Vietnam Veteran - who did not die alone
A touching story unfolded yesterday at Mercy Hospital, where a Vietnam veteran named Larry faced his final hours alone. In a remarkable act of compassion, the hospital contacted the Army recruiting office, ensuring he wouldn't die without company. My husband, a retired veteran and former VFW chaplain, felt compelled to be there.
Upon arrival, he found some veterans and a devoted woman whose family had served since the Revolutionary War. As word spread on social media, more veterans arrived—some in full dress uniform, embodying pride and honor. One young man on leave even stepped away from his family to stand alongside his fellow veterans for Larry's final moments.
At 5:30, as life support was removed, my husband held Larry’s hand in prayer, joined by another veteran. Hymns filled the room as Larry's sister called from Wisconsin, asking for his favorite scriptures to be read.
The hospital staff offered comfort to those present, and at 6:30, Larry passed peacefully. My husband noted there wasn’t a dry eye as Taps played, symbolizing that a brother-in-arms had been honored. Outside the room, more veterans gathered, connecting and supporting each other.
When my husband returned home to share his experience, I was moved to tears. Larry's death was accompanied by respect and remembrance, and it wouldn't surprise me if a veteran accompanied him on his final journey back to Wisconsin.
The draped flag for my Father-in-law in 2020 -
The Union's vibrant blue field of the flag proudly adorns the head and drapes gently over the left shoulder of the deceased. This sacred portion of the flag, symbolizing honor and valor, features the canton of blue embellished with gleaming stars, each one representing the states where our brave veterans once served in uniform.
Moving forward with pride, we salute you, fellow veterans.
God Bless our Military and our Veterans.
Debby
I could not stop my tears from flowing as I read this here, Debby. May Larry be long remembered by all those who knew him personally and even those who didn't, but came to be by his side for his last journey from earth to home. Thank you, Larry, and thank your for your service to this great country!
ReplyDeleteI cried as I read this. How wonderful that the veteran did not pass alone.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
So good of your husband to be there for this man and held his hand right before he died. No one should die alone.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I'm in tears. What a special story. Thanks to him for his service and to the vets, including your husband who stood at his side.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartwarming story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! Your husband is an angel; I have always admired Chaplains.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special story so full of compassion and honor. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteno dry eyes here as I read this. so touching, and loving and so happy for him he had so many to watch with him. God bless all those who came to him in his last hour.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very touching story this morning and like everyone else, my eyes are filled with tears. What a very special honor for these veterans to be able to by the bedside of Larry as he passed. Special thank you's to your husband and the other amazing veterans who stepped up to the plate to make this happen. I love hearing about the goodness of people and this was what I would consider to be Greater than Great. God Bless them all.
ReplyDeleteMy cheeks are unashamedly wet -- yet my tongue's unable to express the profound pride and appreciation I'm feeling. God bless all these men and women ... and you, my friend, for sharing today.
ReplyDeleteThat is a heart-touching story. My goodness. Bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteI can't see the keyboard as I am typing this. Tears but thankfulness for the wonderful men and women that stepped up to be with Larry in his last breaths here on this earth.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful that your husband held his hand as he went into the arms of our Lord.
I am so touched. Thank you for sharing this Debby.
Sue
I feel like everyone else - this was a very wonderful story. That was so sweet of your husband. I am glad he did not have to die alone. God would have been there, but . . .
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story. That certainly brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful that moment was for that soldier's home-going. Just Wow. Thank you for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteA very touching and special story!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a moving and heartwarming tale
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to this man. Your husband and the others are special souls.
ReplyDeleteHeart warming and breaking. Some good people were there to honor this veteran. God bless them all. Larry is up with God and seeing old friends.
ReplyDelete