This Independence Day, Arbor Hospice recognizes and honors our veterans – the individuals whose service helped shape our nation.
Anthony “Tony” Gervasi was one of those individuals.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Tony served for two years during the Korean War and was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin. He enjoyed his role as a Mess Sergeant, where he helped run the mess hall for soldiers deploying to the Korean War. “I enjoyed my job a whole lot,” he said with a smile, recalling his time in service with humble gratitude.
After serving, Tony went on to build a meaningful life—earning his plumber’s license and dedicating 32 years to his trade. At 95 years old, Tony reflected on his life full of love and family. He was married to his first wife for more than 40 years until her passing, and again found love with his second wife of 25 years. Between them, they have seven children who remain a constant source of care and support.
When Tony needed extra support at the end of life, he began receiving care from Arbor Hospice. As part of the We Honor Veterans program, Tony’s care team gratefully recognized his service with a special veteran pinning ceremony held privately in his home.
These ceremonies are a small but meaningful way to recognize a veteran’s service. With a certificate, an American flag pin, and heartfelt thanks from staff and volunteers, each ceremony offers a moment of reflection, recognition, and gratitude. For many veterans, this is the first time their service has been formally acknowledged in such a personal and profound way.
For Tony, he was grateful to feel love and care from family and friends at such a sacred time, but to receive that same love and gratitude from Arbor Hospice was more than he could have ever hoped for at the end of life.
As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, let’s remember the veterans like Tony whose lives and legacies are a reminder of the service and sacrifice of all our veterans.
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At Arbor Hospice, one in eight patients is a veteran.
Arbor Hospice believes in honoring the men and women who served our country. We Honor Veterans is a program that recognizes the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families and provides educational tools and resources to guide veterans through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.
While we can never truly repay the debt we owe our heroes, Arbor Hospice strives to deliver the kind of holistic, loving care they have earned.
Learn more about Arbor Hospice’s commitment to veterans through the We Honor Veterans program.
If you are a veteran who would like to volunteer, please click here.
Make a gift to help ensure all veterans receive dignified and compassionate care regardless of their diagnosis or financial circumstances.