Final moments: honors for Veterans who pass away in VA care

The overhead speakers carry the announcement through the corridors before “Taps” starts to play. Conversations pause and keyboards stop clicking as staff and patients step out into the hallways. Some bow their heads while others render a hand salute.

A gurney emerges slowly from the unit, draped in the American flag. Beneath it is a Veteran who, only hours earlier, was someone’s patient. Someone’s parent. Someone’s friend. Someone who once wore the uniform of the United States.

In these moments, the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City becomes a place of ceremony, sending a Veteran on their final journey.

At VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, honoring Veterans does not end when the last monitor is silenced. It continues in the quiet dignity of what staff here call the “final salute.”

An official medical center policy requires recently deceased Veterans to be draped in a U.S. flag as they are accompanied to the morgue.

The ritual is not elaborate. There are no speeches or formal procession. Just a corridor of nurses, physicians, housekeepers, administrators, volunteers, and fellow patients standing still as the fallen Veteran is escorted to the morgue. 

The American flag covering the body is a visible reminder of a life once pledged to service. For many on the floor, it is also a reminder of why they chose to work here.

“When this policy actually started, it was just the flag and gurney, there is nothing in there about playing ‘Taps’ and having staff line up and provide that final salute,” said Jenny Czekalski, associate chief nurse of emergency medicine at VASLCHCS. “Often times, staff would form a connection with families and Veterans and so it was their way to honor them and say goodbye to them.

For staff members, especially those who care for patients in their final moments, the ceremony provides a moment to transition from clinical responsibility to human reflection. In a profession that requires composure, efficiency, and resilience, the pause matters.       

For families, it is a powerful affirmation that their Veteran is seen not just as a patient, but as someone who answered a call to serve.

When loved ones are present, they often walk behind the gurney, seeing strangers standing in respect. The silent hallways serve as a reminder of the service and sacrifice that played a significant role in the Veteran’s life.

“The families are always grateful and see it as a peaceful experience and a true sign of respect,” said Czekalski. “I think that they truly appreciate and recognize that final salute.”

Standing in the hallway is a small, but deliberate act and, for the staff members on the floor, the ritual never becomes routine.

 “It feels like the first time every time,” said Czekalski. “Staff are always ready and willing to stand in line to give that salute.”

In a hospital where healing is the daily mission, there are moments when healing gives way to honoring. The “final salute” ensures that even in loss, Veterans receive what they have earned: respect, gratitude, and dignity.