(Atlantic) It was one year ago at this time that the Cass Health Nurses Honor Guard hosted the first annual bake sale. Mary Brasfield, a member of this volunteer organization, says last year’s event was such a success that they have decided to host another event on April 2, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Cass Health Atrium next to the Laboratory. Brasfield says the proceeds go toward purchasing materials given to families during a service/dedication to a nurse who has passed away, or for a living tribute.
The Nurses Honor Guard is a volunteer program made up of current and former nurses who attend the services of nurses who have passed away, as well as parades, honor walks, living tributes, and more. The Nurses Honor Guard dresses in the traditional white uniform, complete with a cap and cape. During a funeral service, the ceremony is brief, lasting about 5 minutes and consisting of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying a white rose, symbolizing the nurse’s dedication to the profession. The nurse’s name is called three times, and the triangle is rung after each call of the name. After the roll call, the words are spoken that the nurse is officially released from their nursing duties. A lit Nightingale lamp is carried up at the beginning of the ceremony, then extinguished and presented to the family. Brasfield says the Cass Health Nurse Honor Guard is involved in a couple of other events, including a ceremony in Des Moines on April 25.
Brasfield says the Cass Health Nurses Honor Guard is planning a visit to the Vietnam Traveling Wall that is making a stop in Manning on May 25. She says there are eight nurses on the healing wall.
Again, the bake sale is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Cass Health Atrium.
Current or former nurses interested in joining this volunteer organization can call 712-243-7575 for more information.
April 1 7:00 a.m.
