Over fifty staff members were ultimately involved in honoring the life of the patient which was deeply appreciated by the family. This family will not only remember the death of patient but that he died in the presence of grateful hearts. 

During an overnight shift in the Emergency Department, I, the Chaplain, was called to a CPR in progress. The patient was found down in his home by his wife, who immediately began CPR. Upon my arrival, Nurse Grace Kamau, Doctor Richard Rissman, and the medical team already performed their interventions; the patient was pronounced. 

In the waiting room, was the patients’ wife and two sons. Reluctantly, I led the family to the consult room and supported the attending, Doctor Rissman, as he very compassionately delivered the final update of the patient's condition. Meanwhile, Nurse Grace and her team began to prepare the patient for last visitations. 

At bedside, the family verbally and tearfully processed visit. It was revealed that the patient served as a Captain in the United States Army. As a part of the pastoral care departments’ bereavement support, we offer the Veteran’s Salute Ceremony. The patient’s wife humbly accepted stating, her husband was a true patriot and loved his God, his family, and served his country. The family was escorted back to the consult room where staff prepared water and Kleenex. 

The Veteran’s Salute is a coordinated effort. As nurse Grace completed her responsibilities, the PCTs, Brenda and Anna, prepared the patient for transport. I contacted the PBX operator, Patrice, who alerted the officers and eventually announced the walk for all available staff. After Nurse Grace cleared the patient medically, she gave the clearance for transportation. I then proceeded to gather the items needed for the walk including the music selection; the Veteran’s Blanket; flag; and the covered gurney from the morgue. 

As the Charlton staff gathered, they lined the entire back hallway of the ED on each side including, doctor Rissman and the charge RN Paul. The unit secretary, Olivia, brought the family to the line of staff waiting. Sergeant Montemajor walked in front of the precession, followed by the patient, who was covered by the American Flag and escorted by the PCTs. The family was led to walk behind the patient, and Nurse Grace followed, carrying the Veteran's Blanket. 

I then announced for everyone’s attention as we honored the life and service of a captain in the United States Army. In line with the patient's faith belief and attending nurse, “Amazing Grace” played as we gradually walked in between over thirty staff members with their hearts covered in respect of a solider.  The staff offered their condolences and filed behind as the recession passed through. 

The group was then stopped at the back doors into the main hospital. Sergeant Montemajor asked for a moment of silence in honor of a hero. As staff and family paused, the military song “Taps” played and those connected to the military stood in attention and saluted. Tears began to fall in the eyes of many present. I then proceeded to lead the group in prayer. When “Taps” ended, RN Grace presented the Veteran’s blanket to the patient’s wife, explaining the Volunteers of Methodist Charlton made the blanket, knowing they would need more covering in the days ahead. 

Sergeant Montemajor assisted me in properly removing and folding the American Flag placed on the patient.  I presented the flag to the patient's sons in a slow salute. At that time, staff were thanked for pausing to honor the patient's service. 

The patient's family verbally and tearfully processed the ceremony, stating it was a true blessing to have her husband honored by our staff and was greatly appreciated, something she would always remember.