The "We Honor Veterans" Program is a nationwide program that many hospice organizations participate in. This program recognizes Veterans for their service to our Country. Each Veteran is presented a framed "We Honor Veterans" certificate and an American flag pin that is pinned on their shirt or collar. The presentation and pinning is normally performed by another Veteran. This "Pinning" event has a very positive effect on the Veteran, often bringing them to tears. At this point in their life there are not many things that effectively touch their hearts as much as this "Pinning" event does. VSSA, and American Legion Northside Post 858, are currently supporting two local hospice organizations: Bridge Hospice and Pathways Hospice. Our Chaplain, Pastor Bill McCorquodale, is deeply involved in this Program and serves as our primary point-of-contact with the hospice leadership and often performs the "Pinning".
One of the Veterans who was recently "Pinned" by Pastor Bill was a 99 year old WWII veteran, Alfred Ratledge. Mr. Ratledge's family was so delighted in how much the "Pinning" event positively affected Mr. Ratledge that Pastor Bill and his wife were invited to attend his 100th birthday celebration. When Pastor Bill shared this event with our VSSA Board of Directors, one if our Directors, Ms. Angel Sangalang, contacted California Assemblyman Kansen Chu who personally came to the celebration and presented Mr. Ratledge with a Certificate from the State Assembly in honor of his Service to our Country and reaching his 100th Birthday.
Recently Pastor Bill was invited to be the Keynote speaker for Pathways Hospice's "We Honor Veterans" Kickoff Event. During this event, Pastor Bill presented certificates to five of Pathways employees and volunteers who are Veterans. The "Pinning" itself was performed by Pathways CEO Barbara Burgess, who served in the U.S. Air Force as a nurse.
We, at VSSA, are excited to support the "We Honor Veterans" program and look forward to expanding our support and participation in the future.