ARLINGTON, Texas — Beginning July 4 Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne will honor military veterans who die at the hospital with a moving ceremony called the Final Salute.

With the family’s approval, the veteran’s flag-draped remains are escorted to the hospital lobby. Employees, medical staff physicians and family members observe a moment of silence and render a Final Salute.

Texas Health Cleburne prepares for Final Salute observances

“It’s imperative that we recognize our veterans here at Texas Health Cleburne for their service and sacrifice,” said Christina Freeman, R.N., Final Salute program manager.

“It’s a small thing we can do to recognize their contributions to our country,” said Christina, ICU charge nurse and administrative nursing supervisor, who is married to an Army veteran.

The hospital staff will assess the patient for military status upon admission. If this is not identified upon admission and the family is interested in the Final Salute for their family member, they can inform the admitting nurse or the charge nurse of the unit.

“This is a small gesture of respect, homage and recognition to the veteran and their families,” said Adam Jobe, M.H.A., R.N., manager, Acute Care Services, who helped set up the program. “Those of us who have never served will never fully understand the sacrifices they and their families have made.”

The initiative began at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital with hospice services and expanded to include all inpatient veterans in 2015. Eleven Texas Health hospitals have adopted the Final Salute to honor North Texas veterans.

“The Final Salute is a wonderful and much-needed way to show our gratitude and respect to those who served,” said Ajith Pai, president of Texas Health Cleburne.

Click here to watch a Final Salute ceremony and learn more about the program.