Hospice of Michigan to Honor Michigan Veterans

Detroit, October 20, 2014 – Hospice of Michigan will honor veterans with a special series of pinning ceremonies throughout Michigan on and surrounding Veterans’ Day in November.

Veterans representing each of the military branches will be presented a certificate reflecting their branch of military service and an American flag pin honoring and thanking them for their military service. The pinning ceremonies may also include a special “Missing Man” ceremony honoring MIA/POW servicemen, candle-lighting ceremony honoring the sacrifice of family members of veterans, a rifle volley or a performance of “Taps.”

“Many military veterans have never been formally thanked for their service to our country,” said Dr. Michael Paletta, executive director of the Hospice of Michigan Institute. “Our pinning ceremonies not only provide well-deserved recognition for our veterans, but they also allow time to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the military in an effort to preserve our freedom.”

HOM’s pinning ceremonies are open to the public, and media are welcome to attend.

Services will be held as follows:

  • Tuesday, 21, in Muskegon at Clock’s Funeral Home, 1469 Peck St., from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Monday, 10, in Grand Rapids at Sheldon Apartments, 1010 Sheldon Ave. S.E., from 2:30-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, in Monroe at Frenchtown Senior Center, 2786 Vivian Road, from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, at American House Hazel Park, 777 E. Woodward Heights Blvd., from 10:30-12:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, in Saginaw at Edgewood Assisted Living, 4850 Gratiot Road, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, at American House Charlevoix, 615 Petoskey Ave., from 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, in Alpena at Turning Brook Retirement Community, 300 Oxbow Drive, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, in Rochester Hills at American Stone House, 3741 South Adams Road, from 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, at Tendercare Alpena, 301 Long Rapids Drive, from 2-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, at American House Petoskey, 2000 E Mitchell Road, from 2-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, at Center Line Park Towers, 8033 E 10 Mile Road, from 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11, in Sterling Heights at Sarah Care Adult Care Centers, 13425 19 Mile Road, from 1-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 12, in Riverview at Belle Aire Assisted Living, 12621 Hale St., from 1:30- 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 12, in Sterling Heights at Pine Ridge Hayes, 43707 Hayes Road, from 6-7 p.m.
  • Friday, 14, in Grand Rapids at Sunrise of Cascade, 3041 Charlevoix Drive S.E., from 3:30-5 p.m.

Hospice of Michigan is a participant of the We Honor Veterans program, a partnership between the Veterans Administration and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, or NHPCO. The program was developed to enhance care for veterans at the end of life and includes both educational and ceremonial elements.

Participating hospices receive training to recognize and treat the unique issues facing military families, provide access to community resources, and facilitate cooperation between VA health agencies and hospice services. As a Level Four WHV partner, signifying the organization has met the highest standards set by the VA and NHPCO for this national program, HOM has trained its care teams in 56 counties across Michigan. Paletta, who is also a retired Colonel and flight surgeon, serves as the executive champion of We Honor Vets for Hospice of Michigan.

About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. The non-profit cares for more than 1,700 patients each day, raising more than $4 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life, including At Home Support™, our advanced illness management program, community- based palliative care and pediatric care programs. HOM provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, and education programs for physicians and healthcare professionals through its research, training and education arm, the Hospice of Michigan Institute. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.