Every year on August 7th, we observe Purple Heart Day, a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
We’ll explore the history and significance of Purple Heart Day, discuss its impact on our veterans, and highlight the valuable role hospice care plays in supporting these heroes and their families, particularly through partnerships with organizations like We Honor Veterans.
History and Significance of Purple Heart Day
The Purple Heart is a military decoration awarded to soldiers injured or killed in combat. Its origins can be traced back to the Revolutionary War when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, which later evolved into the modern-day Purple Heart. Purple Heart Day was first observed in 1932 to commemorate the creation of this distinguished award and to honor the sacrifices made by our brave service members.
Impact on Veterans
Purple Heart Day holds great significance for veterans and their families. It serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces, highlighting the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that can result from their service. Many Purple Heart recipients bear the scars of war, both visible and invisible, and face unique challenges such as physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related issues.
Partnership with We Honor Veterans
We Honor Veterans is a national campaign dedicated to providing respectful, patient-centered care to veterans through partnerships between hospice organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This initiative ensures that veterans receive specialized care tailored to their unique needs, including recognition and support for their military service, access to available benefits, and help navigating the complexity of the healthcare system. By partnering with We Honor Veterans, hospice care providers demonstrate their commitment to serving those who have served our country.
We are proud supporters of the We Honor Veterans program in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care recognizes and appreciates those who have served our country and their families by working to continually improve patient care and life quality. Our care team members are committed end-of-life experts who have received education and training on identifying, assessing, and meeting the unique needs of veterans and their families. Some of the marked services we provide for our heroes and their families are:
- Tokens of appreciation and certificates for Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Veterans Day
- Deceased veterans are draped in The United States Flag
- “Stand Down” or “Relief of Post” ceremonies for distinct occasions
It is a privilege to serve veterans and his/her family. Please contact Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care to help you develop a plan of care, honoring his/her life.
The Role of Hospice Care in Supporting Veterans
Hospice care is vital in supporting veterans at the end of life. Hospice services provide comprehensive care that focuses on managing pain, alleviating symptoms, and ensuring the highest possible quality of life during the final stages of illness. For veterans, hospice care can be particularly meaningful, as it acknowledges their military service and provides specialized support for their unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Hospice programs partnering with We Honor Veterans, have staff and volunteers who receive specialized training to better understand and address the specific challenges faced by veterans. They can help veterans access benefits available to them, provide spiritual and emotional support, arrange for military honors and tributes, and engage in reminiscence therapy to honor the veteran’s life and service. Through these tailored services, hospice care aims to provide comfort, dignity, and respect for our nation’s heroes and their families during their end-of-life journey.
Purple Heart Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave veterans, symbolizing their unwavering dedication to preserving our freedom. It is a day to honor their service, recognize their sacrifices, and support them in all stages of their lives. Hospice care, and specifically partnerships with organizations like We Honor Veterans, plays a crucial role in providing specialized, compassionate care to veterans at the end of life, ensuring that their final days are spent with dignity, comfort, and respect.
On this Purple Heart Day, let us come together as a community to express our gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans. By supporting hospice care and organizations like We Honor Veterans, we can contribute to the well-being of these heroes and show them the enduring gratitude they deserve.