DAVENPORT, Iowa - Oct. 30, 2014 -- By honoring veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Genesis VNA and Hospice will also be able to honor veterans throughout the year.
We Honor Veterans is a national program of the Veterans Administration and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) with hospice care providers across the country. Genesis hospice patients who are veterans, nearing the end of life, are celebrated in an individual ceremony with loved ones. They are recognized for their service by hospice volunteers who are often veterans themselves.
To support We Honor Veterans for Genesis hospice patients, Genesis is inviting all veterans, their families and the public to the Adler Health Education Center in the lower level of the Genesis Heart Institute for an event recognizing veterans. The address is 1236 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport.
There will be a mini-health fair starting at 1 p.m. with free seasonal flu vaccinations for veterans, blood pressure checks and information about senior living, eye care, hospice care and other health services.
At 2 p.m. there will be a showing of The Monuments Men, the story of a special unit of soldiers in World War II charged with retrieving priceless works of art stolen by German troops. The Monuments Men stars George Clooney and Matt Damon. The movie will be screened again at 4:30 p.m.
The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Sponsorship is being provided by the Quad-City Times Bix 7, Eye Surgeons
Associates, Genesis Imaging and Northwest Bank & Trust. Proceeds will be used to conduct the recognition ceremonies for veterans at the end of life and will help defray the costs of Genesis hospice nurses who accompany veterans in hospice care who are able to go on Honor Flights.
In 2014 for the first time, participants in the Quad-City Times Bix 7 were able to add to their entry fee in support of Genesis efforts to recognize and honor veterans. Race director Ed Froehlich will present a check of the proceeds prior to the screening of The Monuments Men.
"It is not only World War II veterans who are at an age where they need hospice care. We are also caring for more Korean and Vietnam era veterans in hospice,'' said Pat Christy, operations manager for Genesis Hospice Services and the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. "Every veteran deserves our gratitude and recognition of their service.
"At the end of their lives the We Honor Veterans program celebrates their service and their lives.
"In their final days, many veterans have a story to share. We Honor Veterans ceremonies give us the opportunity to recognize them while also giving them the chance to share their personal stories with their families and loved ones.''
Veterans receive an enamel pin and a certificate that they and the family can display. American flags and service flags are displayed in their homes outside hospice patient rooms at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House and service flags are flown outside the hospice house on a rotating basis each month.
For more information, call (563) 421-9263. To make a donation to We Honor Veterans, call the Genesis Health Services Foundation at (563) 421-6865.
For more information about We Honor Veterans, go to www.wehonorveterans.org.
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