Hospice of
Marion County
352-873-7441

FACTS ABOUT "HONORING THE FALLEN"
 

The ceremony is designed for our Surviving Veterans and First Responders, their families, and civilians. We all want to support those who keep our communities safe.
 
We want to provide a safe place/safe sanctuary for the unburdening of guilt and haunting memories while ‘honoring’ the loss. That sounds off-base, but we know there is wisdom and peace in recognizing loss. We have no idea how very strong we truly are.
 
We want to honor the grieving process and remove the fear. We are strong enough to hold pain and peace side-by-side in our hearts, minds and soul, without fear.
 
We want to ‘unlearn’ stoicism. It is an effective coping skill in times of crisis, especially for military and law enforcement. However, it can limit our ability to rest and trust, when home with loved ones.
 
We will share our stories and welcome a Native-American Warrior Welcoming-Home Ritual. The ceremony can offer healing, hope and/or peace.
 
We will address our fear of grief and the efforts we use to mask our pain. We will refrain from the masks of painted smiles, positive platitudes and other negative coping skills. We want to be honest with our memories, pain and fear.

Family Members ask, “How may I support my first responder/veteran?”
 

• Listen, offer support, validate their feelings, and welcome their stories with open ended questions.

• Learn about the creative (non-destructive) role that grief plays in healing.

• Challenge yourself to not be afraid of grief or the hard stories.

• Our job is not to ‘fix’ or ‘change’ them.  Validate the courage needed to grieve and mourn.

• Realize that ‘tears’ are welcome; they demonstrate the creative grieving process.

• Remember that their feelings after serving may change; not everyone is filled with duty and patriotism. We accept them where they are.