We see you. We honor what you gave
By Tiara Jones, Public Affairs Specialist
Honoring a Veteran’s life doesn’t end when medical care does. Where final goodbyes are often the heaviest moments families will ever face, a new touch of dignity now accompanies each end-of-life transition.
Durham VA medical center recently introduced American flag–themed morgue covers to show a profound symbol of respect for those who served. The effort began with the heart of Courtney Frank, a registered nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
Frank noticed a gap in the Final Salute process and believed Veterans deserved more. Guided by that instinct, she began looking for a way to ensure every farewell carried the same dignity, consistency, and deep respect.
“It all stemmed from our Final Salute Project, which began in March of 2023,” Frank said. “We’ve been honoring our Veterans for about three years now, but I realized we needed something permanent.”
The new covers were designed to replace the plain blue ones historically used in hospital settings. By incorporating the American flag directly into the cover, staff no longer need to locate a separate flag during end-of-life transitions.
“By changing the morgue covers to an American flag design, we make sure that every Veteran can be properly honored,” Frank said.
The Final Salute ceremony remains a deeply meaningful moment for families and staff. As part of the tradition, a framed card displaying the Veteran’s name, branch, and years of service is placed beside battery-operated candles. Staff and family line the hallway as the Veteran is escorted out, draped with a flag, while “Taps” plays.
“When that moment comes, it’s so important that we show our respect,” Frank said. “This is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We honor what you gave.’”
Four flag themed covers arrived, one for each of the hospital’s gurneys. Although MICU has not yet used one, staff say the change is meaningful. Funeral homes traditionally bring their own flags upon receiving the Veteran, but the new covers allow Durham VA to honor the Veteran first.
“They’re really beautiful,” Frank said. “It’s such an improvement from the plain blue covers we had before. They reflect the honor our Veterans earned, it shows them [and their families] that their service mattered and that we are here to honor that sacrifice.”
James Lawson, Durham VA’s Decedent Affairs Coordinator, said the new covers reinforce the medical center’s responsibility to honor Veterans with dignity at every step.