Americans across the country celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, a special day to salute the men and women who have bravely served our country in the military. These fellow Americans have made profound sacrifices in defense of freedom and they deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Honoring our nation’s Veterans includes supporting them throughout their entire lives, especially at the end.

As our nation marks Veterans Day, High Peaks Hospice deepens our commitment to increase Veterans’ access to the compassionate, high quality care available from the nation’s hospice and palliative care providers.

One of the ways we’re making this happen is through our active involvement with We Honor Veterans, an innovative program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that was created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We aim to honor all veterans who are on hospice service with a special pinning ceremony comprised of a pin, certificate of appreciation for their service, a red, white and blue blanket, and a patriotic knit bear, both of which are lovingly made and donated by local community members.

High Peaks Hospice Executive Director, Nicholas George states, “As a retired Air Force Captain, I understand the importance of caring for those who have served. Let us remember, honor, and support our veterans, today and every day.”

It surprises many Americans to learn that every day 1,800 Veterans die. That’s more than 680,000 Veterans every year – or 25 percent of all the people who pass away in this country annually.

Remember to ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in your community whether they have served in the military (you may be surprised how many have)—and thank those who have served for their sacrifice. It’s never too late to say “thank you” to our country’s Veterans. Not just on November 11 but all year long.

If you know a Veteran who is in need of the special care hospice brings to people facing serious and life-limiting illness, please reach out and help them learn more about care options by visiting www.highpeakshospice.org

To all our nation’s Veterans, thank you.