[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 117 (Thursday, July 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING NURSE HONOR GUARD OF SAINT LOUIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CORI BUSH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2024

  Ms. BUSH. Mr Speaker, I rise along with the people of St. Louis today 
to solemnly pay homage to the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis and its 
visionary founder and president, Aine Howard-Boerner, MSN.
  Since its establishment in 2023, the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis 
has emerged as a beacon of compassion dedicated to honoring nurses 
nearing or entering eternal rest, offering solace to grieving families 
across Missouri and Illinois.
  Inspired by the tradition of military honor guards that honor fallen 
servicemen and women, police officers, and firefighters, the Nurse 
Honor Guard wears traditional white nursing uniforms, complete with a 
red and blue cape and traditional nursing caps. They attend the 
funerals of their fellow nurses, paying homage and extending comfort to 
families in their time of mourning.
  The organization has conducted 124 memorial tributes, four living 
tributes, and one memorial table for departed colleagues. Comprised of 
30 retired and active nurses, these tributes honor the departed and 
serve as a source of renewal for the members of the Nurse Honor Guard 
amidst the formidable challenges and demands of their profession, 
particularly underscored by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses 
and their communities are reminded of their steadfast courage and 
unwavering commitment through these services.
  As we reflect on the profound impact of the Nurse Honor Guard of 
Saint Louis, we follow our pledge to honor the memory of our fallen 
nurses, support grieving families, and uphold the pride and dignity of 
the nursing profession with enduring gratitude. As a nurse and 
Congresswoman, I am honored to join our St. Louis community to commend 
the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis and its members for their 
exemplary service.

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