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
