LGH has implemented The Veteran’s Honor Walk which follows military customs to honor veterans who pass away at the hospital.
On May 30, the nation recognizes Memorial Day in remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. As a token of thanks and appreciation to the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) patients who have served in the U.S. military, LG Health has implemented the Veterans Honor Walk.
The Veterans Honor Walk is a ceremonial procession where a deceased veteran is covered with a flag and gracefully wheeled through the halls while staff, visitors and family members line the wings of the hospital to show their gratitude for the veteran’s service. The flag is then provided to the veteran’s family or next of kin.
LG Health began the Veterans Honor Walk in November 2022 at the request of Chief Executive Officer, John Herman. Since then, over 20 walks have been performed.
“Veterans in our community have made a commitment and sacrifice that can never be repaid,” said Herman. “The Veterans Honor Walk provides an opportunity for our health system to pause and pay our respects to them.”
The team at LG Health responsible for establishing the Veterans Honor Walk went to great lengths to ensure all proper military customs and courtesies are followed. Dr. Mark Simmons, clinical liaison to the Penn Medicine Veterans Care Program, provided oversight to the initiative and had all procedures reviewed by former members of “The Old Guard” for accuracy.
As part of the Honor Walk, a folded flag is given to the veteran’s family or next of kin.
“Implementing an Honor Walk at Lancaster General Hospital humbly acknowledges the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families,” said Dr. Simmons. “Never forgetting this service is our nation’s enduring responsibility.”
Lily Marco, decedent care navigator, has had the opportunity to participate in a Veterans Honor Walk and calls it a “moving experience.”
“Many times I see tears in the eyes of the family members and sometimes of the staff,” she said. “We all owe a huge debt to our veterans and it feels so good to let them know how thankful we are for their willingness to serve for us.”