Reverence for Veterans at Valley Health Services

On Wednesday, May 21,16 Valley Health Services (VHS) residents were honored by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 944 their service in the United States Military.

The ceremony began with the presenting and posting of the colors. The United States flag as well as a POW/MIA flag (Prisoners of War/Missing in Action), VVA flag and Gold Star Mothers flag were marched into the main dining room where dozens of veterans, residents, nurses, and other VHS staff members were gathered and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

After brief remarks, expressing the VVA’s desire to honor all veterans, no matter when or in what branch of the military they served, members of the group called out the names of the veterans in the room. Two-by-two, they presented each veteran with a certificate, commending them for their service, and a hat. On the front of the hat was the seal of their branch of the military and on the back was personalized embroidery spelling out the veteran’s name.

Once the certificate and hat were awarded, VVA Chapter 944 members saluted and the entire room clapped. This was important, the group said, because every veteran deserves to hear and experience deep appreciation for their patriotism, sacrifices, and service.

As one veteran shares, the entire ceremony “brought a tear to my eye."

After the crowd showed its deep appreciation to every veteran, the color guard ceremoniously retired the flags.

VVA Chapter 944 is based in Utica, New York. Their visit to VHS marks the 18th nursing home across Oneida and Herkimer counties they have traveled to performing similar ceremonies. The VVA’s founding principle is ensuring that “never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” The organization is committed to ensuring all who serve the U.S. receive the care and respect they have earned.

Valley Health Services is a nursing home and rehabilitation facility located in Herkimer, NY. Services, which include long-term and short-term care, adult day care, cardiac and rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, are focused on providing residents with a home-like environment that delivers the care they need.