Frank Bunyan was just 17 when his patriotic duty called him to join the Navy during WWII.

As a resident at Blue Water Hospice Home, he was nominated for the Quilt of Valor by the Director of Hospice Home Jessica Martin, RN, BSN. “I nominated Frank for the Quilt of Valor because we are where we are today because of brave individuals, like him, and their sacrifice to keep our freedoms”, says Jessica.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation honors veterans of all wars, specifically WWII, due to their age. However, any veteran can be nominated. Quilts are handmade by volunteers around the country. Each is numbered and signed by the quilters. The program began in 2003 by a mom whose son was deployed in Iraq. She wanted him to have something to remind him of home. To-date, the Foundation has presented more than 220,000 quilts to veterans around the United States.

“Our country can do more to honor and remember our soldiers. Their sacrifices are great, and need to be recognized. The willingness in his heart to serve his country makes me proud to be a part of this family,” says Lisa Bunyan, Frank’s daughter-in-law. On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Lisa discussed with her children, Noah and Naomi, the great sacrifices soldiers, such as their grandfather, made and continue to make for us.

Frank is very humble, “volunteering to serve was my duty”, he says as while watching ducks in the pond outside his window. Frank recently entered hospice care at Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville. Six years ago, he stayed with his wife, overlooking the pond together, as she spent her final days at the Hospice Home. “We are fortunate to have this here. I like watching the ducks in the pond,” says Frank with a smile on his face as his Quilt of Valor lay on his lap.

If you know of a veteran, be sure to nominate them for the Quilt of Valor, visit www.qovf.org. Learn more about in-home hospice care and the Blue Water Hospice Home at www.vnabwh.com.

Since 1952, Visiting Nurse Association has provided a continuum of care including home health care, palliative care, private duty, adult day program, and hospice care to the people of St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties. Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, cost-effective health care to any patient and family member with short-term, long-term, or end-of-life care. Learn more about the services offered by VNA/BWH by visiting www.vnabwh.com.