Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities
Honor the Lives of Fallen Nurses
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
“Nursing is a calling, a way of life. Nursing is a service, a profession that cannot be lived in isolation. Nurses rely on one another for the synergistic effect of teamwork in our efforts of care giving. It is appropriately deemed that we honor our colleagues… not only during their career, but also at the end of their life’s journey.” Members of the Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities hold those words near and dear to their hearts. It is what is known as the “Nightingale Tribute.”
The Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities are what you might call the unsung heroes of our community. Many do not even know that such a group exist yet the work that they do is unmatched by anyone and appreciated by all. Members of the Nurse Honor Guard work together to recognize both men and women that have dedicated their professional lives to nursing.
Members will gather and attend the funeral or memorial services of fallen nurses at the family’s request. Showing up wearing their traditional white uniforms, they stand guard at the casket or urn during visitation as a way of honoring a fallen nurse. Their goal is to be able to provide comfort to the family/loved ones by honoring the duty and sacrifice that was made by their loved one who unselfishly dedicated their lives for the care of others.
The Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities was founded by a group of just six nurses on September 26, 2019. Since that date they have grown to a group of 11 board members and 43 regular members. The Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities has paid tribute to 189 fallen nurses. Dorothy Spillman, one of the founding six, shared, “We have had family members express what an honor it is to have us at their loved one’s funeral or visitation services. However, it is an honor for us to be able to honor their loved ones. We receive such a blessing with every service we attend.”
On October 14, 2023, the Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities held its annual pinning ceremony and on that day 21 members received what they consider to be one of the greatest honors that they can achieve. “We are here to honor you… the nurses that have made difference in the lives of others through your work and dedication that you made in the Nurse Honor Guard. We are here to give thanks for all of your hard work for helping with our many fundraising efforts.” Explained Spillman.
Ann Wiseman, Bobbie Meade, Carolyn Bailey, Carolyn Ross, Cathie Whitt, Charlotte Gullett, Cristina Garred, Debby Fosson, Dianna Charles, Joyce Salyers, Laura Dakes, Liz Spurlock, MaDonna Bryant, Marty Vanetter, Patty Gleichauf, Renee Dingus, Sandra Hieneman, Sue Schnider, Staci King, Toni Neal, and Wilma Virgin were all blessed to have this honor bestowed up on them.
“Being part of this group has been my passion ever since it was formed. It has absolutely been a blessing to be able to do this. No one knows how hard a nurse works or what they go through except another nurse. We are so fortunate to be able to bring a little bit of comfort to the family during their time of need and to honor their loved one.” Noted Spillman.