Cover Stories

Gone, but Never Forgotten

VISN 4 facilities honor recently deceased Veterans in appropriate memorial services

A family member holds a butterfly on her thumb at a memorial service.

The death and internment of a Veteran who passes away at a VA facility is not the last time VISN 4 facilities honor that Veteran for his or her service to our Nation. Many VISN 4 medical centers hold regular memorial services to remember all of the Veterans being cared for at the facility who have gone to their final reward since the last such service.

At the Erie, Butler, and Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Centers, these Veterans are remembered in an annual ceremony. Altoona, Philadelphia, and Lebanon hold observances twice a year (Philadelphia's are held near Memorial Day and Veterans Day); and Coatesville assembles four such ceremonies every year.

At Altoona's ceremony, there are readings, songs, and music. A screen displays the names of all of the Veterans being honored, and tea lights and memory rocks are given out at the end of the service.

The Coatesville service also includes music, a presentation by a chaplain, and non-denominational readings. Each bereaved family is given a rose, and the opportunity to speak about their loved one. Philadelphia also passes out roses, and includes a final salute by those Veterans who are present and the playing of Taps.

A Veteran holds a butterfly on his thumb at a memorial service.

Erie VA lights candles for each Veteran being honored during their service. Wilkes-Barre's Bell Choir plays at the facility's memorial services, and next of kin are provided white carnations and a bookmark with an appropriate saying of remembrance. And Butler releases a butterfly for each Veteran who has passed on in the palliative or hospice care unit. Pittsburgh also hosts two butterfly release ceremonies each year.

Several facilities also honor Veterans at the time of their passing. At Lebanon, with the family's permission, a brief time of remembrance is held following the death of residents of the facility's community living center, and some Veterans are given individual services of remembrance in which the family and others share and celebrate his or her life.