The Georgia Highlands Nurse Honor Guard pays tribute to the nurse at the time of their death by performing the Nightingale Tribute and Last Call of Duty a thte funeral, memorial, or graveside service. This ceremony is similar to a military tribute (without guns) and officially releases the nurse from their nursing duties.
Mission
Our volunteers would be honored to serve any active or retired registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Serving the counties of Union, Towns and Rabun, GA.
Who We Serve
The Nightingale Tribute is a brief, meaningful ceremony, typically lasting about five minutes and performed at no cost by a nursing colleague during a nurse’s funeral or memorial service. The tribute includes the recitation of the Nightingale Tribute and the placement of a white rose on the casket or beside the urn, symbolizing the nurse’s compassion, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the profession.
Who We Are
The Nurse Honor Guard is a national, state, and local volunteer organization devoted to honoring nurses at the time of their death. By performing the Nightingale Tribute and the Final Call of Duty during funeral, memorials, or graveside services, we offer a solemn and dignified farewell. Much like a military tribute in protocol and respect (without the use of arms), this ceremony formally releases the nurse from their earthly duties, recognizing a lifetime of compassionate service and unwavering dedication.
Following the recitation of the Nightingale Tribute, a chime is sounded during the Roll Call of our colleague. The nurse’s name is called three times, with the chime rung after each call. After the final call, a formal declaration is spoken, signifying that the nurse is officially released from their professional duties.
A lighted Nightingale lamp is carried forward at the beginning of the ceremony, symbolizing the enduring spirit of nursing. At the conclusion, the flame is gently extinguished, and the lamp is presented to the family as a token of remembrance. This tribute provides fellow nurses an opportunity to honor and commemorate their colleague’s life, recognizing their unique contributions and steadfast dedication to the nursing profession.