REGIONAL- Paying tribute to nurses at their time of death is the mission of the newly-formed Northern Range Nursing Honor Guard. A group of nurses, some working, some retired, are now offering free honor guard tributes for funerals, memorial services, or graveside services for any licensed or registered nurse, active or retired, in the northern Iron Range area. Services are based on availability of honor guard members.
The group can also do a “Living Tribute” for those who are critically or terminally ill.
The group has done seven funerals so far, and they have also participated at the Festival of Trees Parade and Alzheimer’s Walk.
“Honor guard services can be customized according to the wishes of the deceased or their families,” said Laura Alarcon, honor guard member.
“Nursing is a profession prided in many traditions,” said Alarcon. “We use these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect for those who have given so much and served so well.”
Services can include “The Nightingale Tribute,” along with other tributes. This service is similar to a military tribute and officially releases the nurse from their nursing duties.
Honor guard members dress in a traditional white uniform, complete with cap and cape. The ceremony is brief, lasting about five minutes and consists of reciting the desired tribute and laying a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, to symbolize the nurse’s dedication to their profession. After the tribute, the nurse’s name is called three times, along with the ringing of a triangle. A lit Nightingale lamp is carried up at the beginning for the ceremony and is then extinguished and presented to the family. Materials presented at ceremonies are funded by donations to the honor guard group.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the group can contact Wendy Voss at 218-780-1940 or Laura Alarcon at 218-741-4642. The group is on Facebook@northernrangenursinghonorguard.