Leland American Legion Post 68 honors veterans receiving hospice care through special ceremonies
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Members of American Legion Post 68 in Leland are helping honor veterans nearing the end of life through special recognition ceremonies in partnership with Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
The ceremonies, known as “pinnings,” recognize veterans receiving hospice care for their military service and sacrifices.
The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 began participating in the program in 2023 under the leadership of former commanders Dan Fortini and John Hacker, along with Veterans Resource Officer Lane Adrian.
The program is coordinated through Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, a Wilmington-based nonprofit providing hospice, palliative and memory care services across several eastern North Carolina counties, including Brunswick and New Hanover.
According to the organization, families can request a pinning ceremony after learning about the program when their loved one enters hospice care.
The ceremonies allow veterans and their families to connect with fellow veterans while receiving recognition for their service.
During each ceremony, the veteran receives an enameled American flag lapel pin, a small American flag signed by veteran volunteers and a framed certificate of appreciation.
Each volunteer also introduces themselves by name and military branch before offering a personal message to the veteran.
While many ceremonies take place at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare facilities, others are held in patients’ homes, nursing homes or hospitals.
According to Laura Long, the organization’s Veterans Pinning Program administrator, nearly 500 ceremonies have been held to date.
All participating veterans complete training through Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program.
Currently, 13 members of American Legion Post 68 are available to participate in the ceremonies, including Lane Adrian, Gordon Humphreys, Kobe Kelley, Patty Kelley, Wolfgang Lange, Lou Leichtweisz, Ron Lloyd, Jim McAvoy, Bob Page, Rick Rodgers, Jefferey Swan, Sherman Thompson and Lou Tranzillo.
Post 68 participates in ceremonies in Wilmington, continuing its mission of “Veterans Serving Veterans.”
The organization says the program provides an opportunity to recognize veterans’ contributions while offering comfort and support to their families during a difficult time.
For more information about the Veterans Pinning Program and other veteran support services, visit Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
To learn more about American Legion Post 68 and its community programs, visit the Post 68 website.
