Longview Regional Medical Center honors military veterans at end of life

Longview, TX (November 5, 2018) — To show honor and gratitude to those who have served in the Armed Forces, Longview Regional Medical Center will begin a new program to pay tribute to men and women who spend their last days of life at this hospital.

Beginning this Veterans Day, Longview Regional Medical Center will ceremoniously recognize veterans who pass away here with The Final Salute.

“Military veterans deserve the expression of our deepest gratitude. This ceremony marking a veteran’s final passage through life is a salute not just to the family, but to all of us who respect and honor those who have served our country,” said LRMC CEO Casey Robertson.

When a veteran passes away, LRMC will initiate a voluntary Honor Guard that will drape the veteran’s body with an American flag – a symbol of this country’s freedom. With the family’s consent, the Honor Guard will then accompany the deceased veteran and his or her family during a silent procession through the hospital before exiting the front entrance of LRMC.

An overhead announcement in the hospital will signal the beginning of The Final Salute and “Taps” will be played overhead during the procession. Hospital employees, visitors and especially any fellow veterans will be encouraged to line-up in the lobby and pay tribute to the passing veteran and/or pause briefly to show their respect.

“This is a small gesture of respect and appreciation from Longview Regional Medical Center to those who come to us seeking care,” Robertson said. “Our veterans have demonstrated commitment to the values of our nation – peace, liberty and justice for all. We are privileged and honored to give them a Final Salute.”

The Final Salute will be offered to veterans and their family members at LRMC beginning Nov. 11, 2018.

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