Harvest, Huntsville, Madison, Monrovia, News, RSS Twitter, Unincorporated Madison County
Madison Manor veterans enjoy gifts, music
Robert Penney, a Navy veteran at Madison Manor, accepts a certificate from Joshua Symborski with the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER
MADISON – Madison Manor paid tribute to veterans who live at the facility. On Nov. 9, the veterans were treated to live music and gifts, but, most importantly, plenty of hard-earned respect.
Comfort Care Hospice assisted with the event and “works hand-in-hand taking care of several residents here,” Madison Manor Activity Director Jo Beauchamp said. The company is contracted to provide hospice services to residents who meet eligibility criteria.
“My husband retired from the Air Force so I saw firsthand what they sacrificed to keep our country free,” Beauchamp said. “Veterans deserve to be recognized and honored for their service.”
Chaplain Mandisa Maforah led an invocation focused on restoring of mind and soul for each veteran.
Each person inserted a red, white or blue rose into a memorial wreath to remember lost friends and loved ones. The wreath will hang in Madison Manor’s commons area.
With a handshake and a thank-you, each veteran received a baseball cap in navy with cascading stars on top. “The cap’s bill had a red-and-white stripe across it. The caps were given to show our appreciation for their service,” Beauchamp said.
Comfort Care presented certificates of appreciation to all veterans. Hospice patients received framed certificates with their names scrolled, King said.
Joshua Symborski, Specialist Promotable with the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band (AMC) on Redstone Arsenal, played the melancholy yet hopeful phrases of “Taps” on his trumpet. “Everyone commented on how moving the playing of ‘Taps’ was,” Beauchamp said. King said Symborski’s trumpet music added a special touch.
Attendees enjoyed cake, punch and sandwiches. Each person received an American flag and a flag pin for their shirts.
The veterans that attended the event told Beauchamp that the recognition was wonderful. They thanked her over and over.
“Their reactions were touching,” hospice consultant Lila King said. “Some residents explained their roles in the military. Others ‘teared’ while reliving memories of family and loved ones they lost in past wars.”
Madison Manor’s address is 3891 Sullivan St. For information, call 256-772-9243 or visit crownehealthcare.com.
