The Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard will partner with Busch Funeral and Crematory Service to hold their second annual Nurse Memorial Service on Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for the community to honor healthcare professionals who have passed away over the last year.
The memorial service, to be held at Busch’s Parma location on Ridge Road, comes during National Nurses Week and serves as a solemn tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the nursing profession.
Established on January 26, 2022, by Vanessa Ryks and Barb Hertrick, the Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard performs the Nightingale Tribute at funeral and memorial services for nurses. Named after nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, this formal ceremony recognizes a nurse’s service and releases them from their duties with respect and dignity.
“Nurses give so much to others, and through our ceremonies, we offer a chance for family and friends to witness this noble spirit being recognized,” said Ryks, RN, OCN, who serves as President and Co-Founder of the organization. “The final call for duty, ‘We will take over from here,’ underscores the unity and respect shared among those who dedicate their lives to the care of others.”
During ceremonies, volunteers don traditional white scrubs, caps and capes while conducting a tribute that draws inspiration from military honors but is specifically tailored to acknowledge the unique contributions of nursing professionals. The ceremony formally recognizes the nurse’s service and symbolically releases them from their duties.
Busch Funeral and Crematory Service, which has been serving Northeast Ohio families for generations with compassionate funeral, cremation, and memorial services across multiple locations, is hosting the event for the second consecutive year.
Jim Busch, Owner and President of Busch Funeral and Crematory Service, expressed pride in continuing the partnership.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and it is vital that we recognize their unwavering commitment,” Busch said. “This memorial service is a heartfelt way to pay tribute to their legacy and express our gratitude for their extraordinary contributions.”
The May 8 service at 7501 Ridge Rd. in Parma is open to the public. While not required, attendees are asked to RSVP by Monday, May 5 via email at neohnursehonorguard@gmail.com to help organizers prepare the venue appropriately.
For families who have lost a nurse in the past year, the service offers a formal recognition of their loved one’s professional dedication. For the broader healthcare community, it provides an opportunity to honor colleagues and reflect on the profound impact nurses make throughout their careers.
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