Friday, April 27, 2012

V.A. CENTER FOR AGING MEMORIAL CELEBRATION APRIL 2012

I was honored to present thirty minutes of prelude music
to the Center's celebration on April 27, 2012
 The Veteran's Administration maintains the Center for Aging
under the Pacific Islands Health Care System.
 The facility is in a separate building on the
grounds of Tripler Army Medical Center.
The memorial celebration is to honor all those who have
received care from the Center and passed on in the previous twelve months.
 Staff members manned the reception table
 Other staff members made sure that the guests had bottled water to drink

We use the Doc's sound system each year. He makes
sure everyone sounds good. Even me.
 Dressed like a peacock. I've been told,
if you can't sing, at least look like you can.
 Ms. Marty Parmelee was the Mistress of Ceremonies
The Color Guard posted the colors
Ms. Devera Chun, LPN sang the National Anthem and Hawaii
Ponoi. She later did a chant of Island medley.
 Fr. William Kunisch, II gave the opening prayers.
 Dr. Michael Carethers, ACOS, GREC gave the first
welcoming remarks
Dr. James Hastings, PIHCS, Director gave
the other Welcome remarks
Mrs. Wanda Ulmer sang a song of Aloha. Her husband was a patient
here and passed away while a resident in the facility.
Some of the services by the facility:  http://www.hawaii.va.gov/services/ecrc.asp
 Roll Call was by Ms Janelle Ando, RN and Ms.
Gene Kama, NA
 Every time a name was called, Cecil Meadows rang the bell.
 As each name was called, the honor guard gave a solemn salute.
These soldiers stood at attention for almost an hour in their
dress blues.
When a name is called, a family member or a loved one presents
a flag at the altar. If no one is available, a staff member makes
the presentation.
 Dr. James Epure, Medical Director, CLC, gave the closing remarks
 The Marine Corp provided a trumpet player to play taps
The colors were retired.