news release

The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast (VNA) honored several Veterans at special Veterans Day ceremonies this week. They were held at various assisted living facilities throughout Indian River County, including Renaissance, Heron Cove, The Promenade and Brookdale. 

The ceremonies included singing patriotic songs led by VNA Music Therapists. VNA’s Community Liaison, Jessica Nettles, also gave a poignant speech honoring the Veterans and recognizing their service that included a pinning ceremony. The highlight of the celebrations was a “We Honor Veterans Wall of Heroes,” which featured photos of all the Veterans on a dedicated wall in a few of the assisted living facilities. 

The “Wall of Heroes” was met with great enthusiasm by the Veterans – as well as many of their loved ones who were in attendance. One Veteran, Charles Peele, who served in the Navy, said both the Veteran wall and the ceremony in general made him feel “wonderful.” Another Veteran, Walt Tyler, who was a pilot in the U.S. Army, also expressed his enthusiasm for the celebration and added “It was an honor to serve my country.”

Although not all of the Veterans that the VNA honored are VNA patients, all of these important men and women were recognized, including Veteran staff members. At the VNA, we respect the inherent value of all Veterans. Indeed, Veterans hold a special place in our hearts. To that end, VNA Hospice is proud to be a part of ‘We Honor Veterans,’ a program developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that addresses the unique needs Veterans have when it comes to end-of-life care. As a Level 4 partner of We Honor Veterans, VNA Hospice implements ongoing Veteran-centered education for staff and volunteers to help improve the care that we provide to our local Veterans. 

By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, VNA is better able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. And in cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, the VNA will find tools to help support those they are caring for. It is the least we can do for the men and women who have given so much to our country.

About the VNA

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and provides home healthcare services, including Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; in-home companions; and personal transportation—throughout Indian River County. The agency is also the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House. The VNA also provides low-cost medical care aboard the VNA Mobile Health Clinic at convenient locations throughout Indian River County and no-cost blood pressure and blood glucose screenings. To learn more about the VNA, please visit www.vnatc.com.