Goals Learn how to invite & host Members of Congress Learn how to hold a successful Veteran s ceremony. Learn how to engage your local media. Hear about successful case studies.
Involving a Member of Congress 97 Members of the 114th Congress have served in the Armed Forces. Congress is keenly interested in Veterans in their states / districts MOC s who know about WHV have reacted overwhelmingly positively
Involving a Member of Congress Benefits of involvement: For Veterans For your hospice For the Member of Congress
Involving a Member of Congress First things first Check w/ your Veterans and their families. Get your invite out now! Memorial Day is May 25 th.
Involving a Member of Congress The invite Templates available after livestream, and will be posted in chat box as well. Where do I send it? Follow up 1 week after initial invite
Involving a Member of Congress They accepted! Now what? Assign a point person Prepare leave-behinds
Involving a Member of Congress Once they arrive How long will I have with them? What to do after the event Tell us about your successes! Keep up the relationship
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony What is the purpose? Recognize and pay tribute to sacrifices Encourage Veterans to share story Remember Veterans who have died Honor families, caregivers and loved ones of Veterans
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Who to invite? Veterans and families at your hospice Healthcare facility residents VSO members Family members of Veterans who have died in your care
Media Involvement Confirm permission with patient and family (have authorization forms signed) Contact local media Create press packet Assign staff member to take photos
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Setting Peaceful outdoor setting Activity room or community center Remember Parking Handicap accessible
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Decorations and Setup Arrange tables with a patriotic tablecloth and red, white and blue accessories Include Veterans photos and other military memorabilia Tie red, white and blue buntings or yellow ribbons tied to pavilion pillars and trees
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Service Active duty military participation Patriotic Music Posting of Colors for Salute/Pledge
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Service Welcome by Bereavement Staff Invocation by Chaplain Inspirational song/reading Opening remarks by Member of Congress
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony The Pinning Acknowledge Veteran s Service Ask Veteran to share stories of service Suggested language Ms./Mr. Veteran, thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to serve our country. You endured hardships and you were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom. On behalf of (our staff, the VA, Hospice) please accept our thanks and gratitude. When you see this pin, know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you.
Holding a Successful Veteran Ceremony Rituals of Remembrance Observe moment of silence with pictures in background Invite guests to come forward and accept a red carnation as a symbol of their grief Plant a tree, flower bulbs, rose bush, etc. in memory of the Veteran or fallen soldier
Post Event Activities Social media promotion Photo and story sent to local media (if media was not present)
Recent Case Studies Casa De La Luz Hospice Congresswoman Martha McSally, AZ-02
Resources www.wehonorveterans.org Get Practical Resources>>Honoring Veterans www.nhpco.org/marketplace veterans@nhpco.org http://hospiceactionnetwork.org/getinformed/grassroots-tools/ Sample letters, visit toolkits, etc. info@nhpcohan.org