- April 19, 2024
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Florida Hospital Flagler hosted a Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony Thursday, May 24, at the visitor's entrance to honor those who have served, as well as those who continue to serve, in the U.S. military.
“Memorial Day is usually commemorated by honoring military men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but since we have been at war for 10 years and continue to send our soldiers to the war zone, we felt it necessary to honor our soldiers, both past and present,” said Florida Hospital Flagler Chaplain Robert Nickell.
The ceremony began with a military tribute video, played to Finally Home” by Mercy Me. Lieutenant Colonel Chaplain Harry Gilman, who retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years, read the Soldier’s Creed to the crowd. Bill Tol, Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation Development Officer closed the ceremony with a prayer.
“Here, at the hospital, so many of us have either served, or have had a family member or friend serve, in the military. That’s why we decided to put up a photo wall outside the cafeteria for the month of May, where people could post photos of themselves or their loved ones in the military,” said Barbara Clutter, Florida Hospital Flagler volunteer, as she pointed to a photo of her own son on the wall.
Clutter was instrumental in putting together the day’s ceremony. Her son, 39-year-old Scott, is currently deployed in Afghanistan on his second tour overseas. He is expected to return next April.
“My Dad fought in World War II,” Nickell said. “You know how little kids, they play war. One day, my Dad took me aside and talked to me about war; I never played war with the other kids again.”
