SPRING GARDEN TOWNSHIP -
Veteran's Day is emotional for many people all across the country. In York County, about a dozen vets and their families got a special visit, on what could be their last Veteran's Day. The former military men are all suffering from terminal illnesses.
On Tuesday, current Pennsylvania National Guardsmen visited with the retirees at Rest Haven York. They presented each veteran a certificate, rose and a flag pin, to say thank you for their service.
Master Sergeant Scott Swank says, "they're one of our greatest assets and we're losing more and more of them on a daily basis, they need to know that what they did was a great thing."
The tribute was organized by Aseracare Hospice in York County.
Home Health Aide Karen Washington says, "all of the patients were seeing today are closing at the end stages of their lives and it's very important for them to know that it matters."
Many of the vets at Rest Haven are no longer able to communicate, but they certainly were able to understand that the men in uniforms were saying "thanks."
Dottie Brunson, of West York, who's husband Ron served in the Air Force says, "he's lost his ability to speak, but he was making some noises, he was excited."
Vivian Garnett's husband J.W. served in the Army. She says, "it was a beautiful idea that the older veterans are still recognized for the job they did for us because that's why we're all here."
Sergeant Swank says, "I feel it's my duty to thank fellow vets because without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."
The Guardsmen and nurses visited a total of 12 patients at three different locations in York County and hope to make the event an annual event.
On Tuesday, current Pennsylvania National Guardsmen visited with the retirees at Rest Haven York. They presented each veteran a certificate, rose and a flag pin, to say thank you for their service.
Master Sergeant Scott Swank says, "they're one of our greatest assets and we're losing more and more of them on a daily basis, they need to know that what they did was a great thing."
The tribute was organized by Aseracare Hospice in York County.
Home Health Aide Karen Washington says, "all of the patients were seeing today are closing at the end stages of their lives and it's very important for them to know that it matters."
Many of the vets at Rest Haven are no longer able to communicate, but they certainly were able to understand that the men in uniforms were saying "thanks."
Dottie Brunson, of West York, who's husband Ron served in the Air Force says, "he's lost his ability to speak, but he was making some noises, he was excited."
Vivian Garnett's husband J.W. served in the Army. She says, "it was a beautiful idea that the older veterans are still recognized for the job they did for us because that's why we're all here."
Sergeant Swank says, "I feel it's my duty to thank fellow vets because without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."
The Guardsmen and nurses visited a total of 12 patients at three different locations in York County and hope to make the event an annual event.
