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Dennis Wolterding and Loran Bulla, of Mercy Care, spoke about the organization’s HONORS program for veterans at the May 24th Meeting of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club. Originally designed as a therapeutic aid to bring hope and healing to veterans in their final days, Wolterding explained how the Program has been extended to the wider community as a way of saying “thank you” to all those serviceman and women who have given so much in defense of America’s freedom.
The heart of the HONORS Program is a Ceremony of Thanks in which the veteran is pinned with a specially designed American Flag medal, saluted and presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. “The simplicity of the Ceremony does not detract from its power to heal hearts and minds wounded by war,” explained Wolterding. “Many veterans tell us—often through tears--that it is the first time that they have ever been thanked for their service”
But, there were no tears, only smiles at the May 24th meeting, as Mercy Care’s Chaplain, Major Loran Bulla conducted the HONORS Ceremony for United States Air Force (Retired) Lt. Colonel, James B. Kendrick, a veteran of World War II. As over 60 of his fellow Rotarians looked on approvingly, Kendrick stood proudly as he was pinned and then returned Bulla’s honorary salute with gusto.
Serving his Country one last time, Kendrick also agreed to act as a surrogate for veterans everywhere as the Myrtle Beach Rotarians stood and recited the following tribute to them:
“Dear and Glorious Veteran: Though God, alone, knows the full measure of your devotion, we are privileged to honor you now for your surpassing courage and untold sacrifice in defense of America. We are indebted to you for our lives and freedom--as individuals, as a people and as a grateful Nation--and we salute you. We ask only that you feel our gratitude and love for you today.”
Mercy Care, the Grand Strand’s Hometown Hospice, is the oldest, community-based, not-for-profit hospice organization in Horry County. For more than 29 years, Mercy Hospice has provided the highest quality care to patients and families dealing with advanced illness, while honoring human dignity and personal choice. For more information about programs or services, please call 843.347.5500 or visit www.mercyhospice.org. Veterans wishing to help with the Mercy HONORS Program should ask for Mike Neal when they call.
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