[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E502-E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE NATIONAL NURSES HONOR GUARD COALITION AND ITS FOUNDER MS. 
                           JULIA GODBY-MURRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the National Nurses 
Honor Guard Coalition and its visionary founder and president, Julia 
Godby-Murray, RN.
  Since its inception in 2011, the Coalition has emerged as a pillar of 
compassion, dedicated to honoring the memory of nurses who have passed 
away and providing solace to grieving families in Michigan and across 
the country.
  The organization takes its inspiration from the military honor guards 
that pay respects at funerals for military members and veterans, police 
officers or firefighters. In traditional white nursing uniforms with 
blue and red capes, they attend funerals of their nursing colleagues, 
pay homage and offer comfort to families in their time of deepest 
sorrow.
  Julia, a native of East Lansing, Michigan, who now lives in nearby 
Dimondale, was inspired by groups in Kansas and the Detroit area that 
attended the funerals of nurses, and saw the need to bring the idea to 
the entire country. Under her leadership, the Coalition has flourished, 
growing to over 250 groups nationwide. With each ceremony, they 
reaffirm a profession defined by kindness and empathy, and acknowledge 
those who have devoted their lives to caring for others.
  These ceremonies also serve as a restorative experience for the 
members of Nurses Honor Guard themselves. In the face of the immense 
challenges and demands of their profession, particularly since the 
COVID-19 pandemic when nurses risked then lives to continue caring for 
their patients, these services remind nurses and their communities of 
their courage and determination.
  As we reflect on the profound impact of the National Nurses Honor 
Guard Coalition, let us commit to honoring the memory of fallen nurses, 
supporting grieving families, and protecting the pride and dignity of 
the nursing

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profession. With abiding gratitude, it is my honor to recognize Ms. 
Godby-Murray's leadership and the exemplary service of the Coalition 
and its members here in the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________