Honoring Veterans in a Safe and Special Way
LYNN, MA- Veterans Day celebrations looked a little different this year. With the pandemic restrictions in place across the state, the All Care Hospice team needed to think of a new way to honor its Veterans. Being proud members of the We Honor Veterans Program, their commitment to showing their appreciation to our Nation’s Veterans, is extremely important.
As part of the program, All Care’s Veterans Committee is charged with discussing the unique challenges our Veterans face at end of life, as well as the best ways to care for them both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
All Care is fortunate to have two employees who serve on the Committee, who are Veterans. Sean Yebba, RN served in the Army and Gerald Libby, Chaplain, served in the Navy. They both offer a unique and empathetic perspective. They; along with the entire team, are dedicated to honoring the Veterans in a very special way.
During one of the visits, to a 99-year–old woman who served in the Army, Yebba, thanked her for her service and said, “If it wasn’t for you, I would not have been able to serve my country and do what I am doing now”.
In previous years, the Veterans Day celebrations were on a larger scale. This year’s Veterans Day did not disappoint. Both the Vets and their families were visibly touched.
All Care Hospice’s Volunteer Coordinator, June Richardson, spearheaded this year’s Veterans Day Celebration. She decided to hold a “Card & Blanket Drive”, which was very successful! They obtained donations of handmade blankets, American Flag pins and Veterans Certificates to present to their patients along with countless cards from a local community card drive thanking the Veteran’s for their service. June was very pleased with the response and says “We were very touched by the outpouring of the cards and donations received. We would like to thank everyone who donated. Everything turned out great despite this year’s challenges”.
Gerald “Jay” Libby, Chaplain and Sean Yebba, RN
All Care Patient, John C of Methuen along with All Care staff