October 11, 2022

Despite a bit of gray in the sky and a slight chill in the air, approximately 170 veterans and current service members were welcomed with warm greetings and sunny smiles at the first “Welcome Home Veterans” event on Sept. 28 at Summit Park in Blue Ash.

Hospice of Cincinnati and the City of Blue Ash hosted the event, which drew attendees from across the Greater Cincinnati region.

“Many of our veterans never received the warm ‘welcome home’ that they deserved,” said event organizer Julie Alley, MSW, LISW, social worker and veterans service liaison at HOC Navigators. “As a hospice, we believe that all veterans, regardless of where they are in their life’s journey, deserve a meaningful acknowledgement of their service from a grateful nation.”

TriHealth was an Event Sponsor, and the TriHealth Armed Forces Group and Supporters (TAGS) assisted in planning and staffing the Welcome Home activities.

At the mid-day event, veterans were given lunch, followed by a moving ceremony of music, words and salutations that honored multiple generations of service men and women. Special recognition was given to those who served in Vietnam.

The range of age and experiences among the veterans in attendance was especially noteworthy. “We had three WWII veterans attend, and they were very eager to meet each other,” Alley said. “They sat together in the front row for the ceremony. Another veteran shared that, since he returned from the Vietnam War in the late ‘60s, he’s never experienced such a warm welcome.”

The thoughtfully planned ceremony began with an opening address by Alley. The American Legion NE Post 630 then led a presentation of colors, and the Delta Kings Barbershop Chorus sang the Star-Spangled Banner. Hospice of Cincinnati Chaplain Levi Gause led the honor ceremony, and Chaplain Andrew Balk sang “God Bless the USA.” After a closing prayer and final remarks, the Delta Kings sang “God Bless America.”

The Color Guard then led the guests in a Parade of Heroes as community members lined their path, waving flags, cheering them on and handing them gift bags that included a challenge coin and notes of gratitude. The Bones of Cincinnatus brass band played them out with a rousing rendition of “The Armed Forces Medley.” Everyone exited under a huge American flag, suspended from two tall fire truck ladders (made possible by the Blue Ash and Evendale fire departments).

Rosie the Riveter also made an appearance, and the Ohio Honor Log was on display. Veterans were given an opportunity to receive pins and certificates honoring their service.

“Many of the veterans sought us out to thank us and share that it meant so much to them,” said Alley.

Hosting this event is part of Hospice of Cincinnati’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans. “As a hospice, we understand how important it is to honor our patients who have served,” Alley said. “Honoring all veterans in the community-at-large is an extension of this, and an expression of our commitment as a partner of both the We Honor Veterans program and the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration.”

Hospice of Cincinnati holds Level 4 Status with the We Honor Veterans Program, a collaboration between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hospice of Cincinnati is also a Commemorative Partner of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Some of the ways Hospice of Cincinnati honors veteran patients includes:

• Specialized, veteran-focused training and support for team members and volunteers
• Assistance to veterans and their families in accessing services and benefits offered by the VA
• Veteran-to-veteran support through a growing team of veteran volunteers who provide companionship and, when desired, an outlet for patients’ personal stories of war or service
• Specialized training in addressing post-traumatic stress issues that can impact care
• Customized pinning ceremonies
• Flag plantings on Veterans Day to recognize veterans served by Hospice of Cincinnati in the last 12 months
• Memorial Day ceremonies to recognize those who’ve given their lives in service to their country
• Recognition ceremonies for volunteers and team members who are veterans.