Our Services
Nursing is a profession steeped in tradition. We use these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect for those who have given so much and who have served so well.
Honor Guard services can be individualized according to the wishes of the deceased or family and based on the availability of volunteers.
Services May Include:
Attend all services wearing the traditional white uniform, cap and cape
Recite the Nightingale Tribute and laying of a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, symbolizing the nurse's dedication to the profession
Recite "A Nurse's Prayer" at the grave site or during a special service
Read "She Was There"
Enact a Final Call to Duty
Present Florence Nightingale Lamp to the family
Stand Guard at the casket or urn and provide a presence at the service
Request Our Services
We are honored that you are requesting the Nurse Honor Guard of Greater Walton County as a final tribute to your loved one.
Honor Guard services are available at the family’s request for All NURSES active or retired.
The Nightingale Tribute
Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses here today honor Name and his/her life as a nurse.
Name is not remembered by his/her years as a nurse, but by the difference he/she made during those years by stepping into people’s lives…. by special moments:
Name Was There
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
Name- was there.( spoken in unison)
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,
Name- was there.(spoken in unison)
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend,
Name -was there. (spoken in unison)
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,
Name -was there. (spoken in unison)
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind,
Name -was there.(spoken in unison)
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,
Name -was there.(spoken in unison)
In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates,
Name - was there.(spoken in unison)
To witness humanity---its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,
Name - was there.(spoken in unison)
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,
Name - was there.(spoken in unison)
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side,
Name- IS there. (spoken in unison)
Name, we honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being our colleague.
Name (ring triangle) Name (ring triangle) Name (ring triangle) We officially release you of your nursing duties.(extinguish lamp and give to family member with quiet condolences)
A Nurse's Prayer
Give me strength and wisdom when others need my touch;
a soothing word to speak to them,
their hearts yearn for so much.
Give me joy and laughter,
to lift a weary soul;
pour in me compassion,
to make the broken whole.
Give me gentle, healing hands,
for those left in
my care;
a blessing to those who need me,
this is a nurse's prayer.