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Westview Health Care Center

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PERSON_PROFILE

Veterans at Westview Health Care Center were honored with pomp and circumstance on Monday November 11th. Their service to our country is dignified by all of our staff, and we proudly stood in tribute with our brave fellow Americans. Louise Taylor and her team in the Therapeutic Recreation Department, our Nursing Department, and our Maintenance Department worked together with American Legion Post 21 of Danielson, CT, James Eccleston of Putnam Elks Lodge 574, and Entertainer Jack Coleman of “The Continentals” to host a respectfully reflective program for patients and residents of Westview on Veterans Day.

The ceremony began with Post 21’s Color Guard entering and presenting the colors of our great nation and their local chapter. At his keyboard, Jack Coleman played the melody of our National Anthem as the attending guests sang the lyrics. Post 21 Chaplain Al Duff offered an Invocation Prayer—followed by a unison recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. James Eccleston then assumed the podium as the guest speaker for the day’s observation. Mr. Eccleston is a US Army Veteran and was the Exalted Ruler of Putnam Elks Lodge 574 in the past. As a small business owner in Brooklyn, CT and the Secretary of the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, he spoke to the importance of constant community engagement with the veterans next door and in our neighborhoods. He added to his commentary by highlighting the significance of the 11th day of the 11th month as Armistice Day (hence its designation as Veterans Day) and the broader significance of the number 11 to veterans.

With acknowledgement of our veterans nationwide, a sense of great patriotism radiated throughout Westview’s Formal Dining Room. The moment then focused to our men and women in residence who served our country as we acknowledged them by name and service branch; thanking them individually and presenting an American Flag to all. This is always a powerful moment to witness at Westview. The veterans reflect upon their service poignantly and respectfully, certainly. And when they receive their salutations and their American flag, there is never an expression of regret. There is always a proud smile and genuine conveyance of humility regarding their service—as if to say they would dutifully do it all again if they had to.

Silence was held for a few beats to cherish a thought of the veterans who have come before and have departed our presence. Jack Coleman performed a rendition of “Taps” to anchor the moment. He then led the room in singing a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” Chaplain Al Duff returned to the podium to extend a Benediction Prayer to everyone in attendance for peace and prosperity going forth. Post 21 retired the colors and spent some time talking with individual patients and residents of the Westview community. Musician Jack Coleman performed a military tribute medley; featuring all of the service branch anthems and a few songs from classic American songbook lore. His performance was more than musical as he added historical context and personal anecdotes between the songs.

Westview Health Care Center is profoundly grateful for the contributions of our guests during our Veterans Day observation. Thank you to all of the members of the American Legion Leo J. L’Homme/William F. Burdick Post 21 who joined us: Robert Kelly, Sr., Post Commander; David Mulford, Sr., Vice Commander; Charlie Crowley, Post Commander Emeritus; Thomas Gaylord, Finance Officer; Al Duff, Chaplain; and Post 21 member Michael Barta. Additional thanks go to James Eccleston representing Putnam Elks Lodge 574 for his powerful words, and to Jack Coleman of “The Continentals” for helping to manifest this moment through music.
There is a genuine sense of dedication that defines Veterans Day at Westview and writ large across the nation. It is about the dauntless dedication that the men and women who serve exhibit through their brave activation for America—it is about the communities across the country dedicating this day to properly thank them on our behalf. Moreover, it is about the dedication that should be exhibited each and every day in appreciation for the sacrifices of our servicemen and servicewomen.

Westview Health Care Center

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