BEDFORD, N.H. – The Compassus program serving Bedford and the surrounding areas held their Annual Memorial Service on June 18, 2016. This service is held each year to allow families and friends the opportunity to honor and memorialize loved ones who have recently passed.
For the past three years, the event has served as a gathering place for those experiencing loss to meet one another and share special memories of their loved ones. The service pays tribute to those who have passed with a reading of each name, the ringing of a bell and a moment of reflection.
New this year was a special addition to honor veterans. Bugles Across America representative H. Bruce Flegalattend of Bedford, NH played a live rendition of “Taps” to recognize veterans named in the ceremony. Bugles Across America’s mission is to provide military funeral honors to all qualified veterans across the country.
“Because military funeral honors are usually requested through a funeral director, those families not utilizing that type of service may sadly be deprived of that special tribute,” said Rita Stanton, bereavement coordinator at Compassus – Bedford. “We are so grateful to Bugles Across America for honoring veterans with the services they deserve, and for participating in our Annual Memorial Service.”
Compassus – Bedford is committed to providing quality care to American veterans and recognizes the unique needs they have at the end of life. The program is a proud partner of We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve end-of-life care for American veterans.
“We are so proud to serve our veteran patients and their families,” said Michele Martino, executive director of Compassus – Bedford. “Through the We Honor Veterans program, we are working increase access and improve quality of care for men and women with military service.”
For more information about Compassus – Bedford services, call (603) 606-7974.
