STHS marks Memorial Day 2022 with tribute to veterans
STHS Communication Department, commdept@stph.org
St. Tammany Health System Security Lt. Fred Booker, left, and Chief Kenny Norris—both of whom are military veterans – fold an American flag for inclusion in a Missing Man Memorial set up in the health system’s cafeteria on Monday in recognition of Memorial Day 2022.
(STHS photos)
Today is Memorial Day, a time set aside to remember the service of the men and women of the United States armed forces – and particularly to reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice given by those who didn’t return home.
In a show of respect and gratitude to the nation’s veterans, members of St. Tammany Health System’s Security Department and its Spiritual Care Team on Monday held a solemn flag ceremony in the cafeteria of the health system’s Covington hospital, where a Missing Man Memorial was also set up.
Below, find photos from Monday’s ceremony, as well as an outline of the significance of each item included in the Missing Man Memorial.
We wish you and your family and safe and happy Memorial Day – and thank you to those who have served.
Missing Man Memorial items:
- A table set for one – with the drinking glass inverted – and a military hat, symbolizing the absent member.
- A single rose, symbolizing the blood shed to ensure our freedom.
- A red ribbon, for the love of our country.
- A lemon, for the bitter fate of the missing.
- Salt on a bread plate, for the tears shed by waiting loved ones.
- A Bible, to give us the strength and faith to sustain this loss.
- An empty chair, to represent the absence of our missing and fallen military members.