A new inpatient program at our South Sacramento Medical Center will ensure that every veteran who passes away during their hospital stay receives the honor they deserve for serving our country.
The Veteran Honor Flag & Final Salute Program, which launched on Memorial Day, offers a structured yet deeply human way for physicians, staff, and family members to recognize those who have worn the uniform.
“This initiative is personally meaningful to me after witnessing a heartfelt honor walk and flag tribute for my father-in-law, who served in the Navy and passed away in a hospital in North Carolina,” said Laura McKelvey, RN, a South Sacramento ICU nurse whose passion led to the program’s local launch. “The experience left a lasting impact on our family, and I believe introducing a similar practice here will provide profound comfort and dignity to the veterans and families we serve. My vision is a simple but meaningful, family centered practice that aligns with our mission of compassionate, patient focused care while honoring those who have served our country.”
The process for the Veteran Honor Flag & Final Salute Program begins well before a patient’s final moments. At admission, veteran status is identified and respectfully signaled with a flag bracelet that follows the patient throughout their care journey. When end of life conversations arise, families are gently introduced to the program and invited to decide whether they wish to participate. For many, simply being asked affirms that their loved one’s service is recognized.
After a veteran passes, families are given time for private goodbyes while staff quietly prepare for what comes next. An American flag is carefully placed over the veteran, and an overhead announcement invites colleagues to gather—voluntarily—for the Honor Walk.
A respectful, honorable recognition
As with our existing Honor Walk program for organ and tissue donor patients, physicians and staff line the corridor or stand quietly at doorways, forming a path of respect. A caregiver reads the veteran’s name, rank, and branch of service aloud. A moment of silence follows. Then comes the walk. Together, caregivers escort the veteran and their loved ones along a pre-determined route through the hospital.
A formally folded American flag is then presented to the family, along with a Tribute and Remembrance Card signed by members of the care team.
“As a veteran, this matters deeply to me,” said Muhammed Arif, RN, the ICU Nurse Manager whom Laura first approached about the idea. “As a nurse leader, I am proud we are building a tradition that honors service and offers a final salute that brings comfort to families.”
South Sacramento Chief Nurse Executive Katie Hoganson, RN, shares that pride.
“I am incredibly proud of Laura’s passion, leadership, and dedication in bringing this program to life,” she said. “It is a beautiful example of how our staff continue to elevate the human experience for our patients and families.”
McKelvey has shared program materials and protocols with other KP hospitals interested in launching a similar tribute program.
View the program’s four step process poster for staff and the tribute card provided to families.