Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, residents, families, and team members gathered at Aurora on France for a meaningful luncheon and recognition ceremony honoring veterans who call the community home. The event included the dedication of a new Veterans Wall, bringing together Ebenezer residents and members of Fairview’s Veterans Allies & Advocates Employee Resource Group (ERG) to reflect on service, sacrifice, and connection.
Approximately 20 veteran residents and their families attended the event alongside volunteers from the Veterans Allies & Advocates ERG. The ceremony featured remarks from Ebenezer and Fairview leaders, a ribbon cutting, the presentation of commemorative coins, and time to socialize over lunch.
Ebenezer’s Brooke Moser, Life Enrichment Director at Aurora on France, helped organize the event onsite and welcomed attendees with opening remarks to begin the ceremony. “Every year, Aurora on France looks for meaningful ways to honor our veteran residents,” said Moser. “We felt a ribbon cutting ceremony was a fitting way to commemorate our new Veterans Wall and recognize the residents who have served.”
Ebenezer President and CEO Brett K. Anderson shared remarks reflecting on his own family’s connection to military service and expressed his appreciation for the veteran residents and their service. Anderson thanked the residents for their sacrifices and shared his gratitude for the opportunity to honor and support those who have served.
Fairview’s Karl Koch, IT Director – Inpatient Acute Applications and member of the Veterans Allies & Advocates ERG, also shared the group’s passion for building stronger connections with veterans across Ebenezer communities. He noted that the opportunity to participate in commemorating Aurora on France’s Veterans Wall was especially meaningful.
Koch reflected on the personal roots behind his appreciation for veterans, sharing that both he and fellow ERG member Regina Randle are veterans themselves, and both of their fathers served during the Vietnam War. Their family experiences helped shape a deep respect for those who have served.
During the ceremony, Fairview’s Regina Randle, System Director Sterile Processing Services, presented commemorative coins to veteran residents on behalf of the Veterans Allies & Advocates ERG. Koch also highlighted that Fairview became a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization two years ago, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to recognizing and supporting veterans throughout the year.
“It means a lot to be remembered and honored in this way,” said Ken Yoshitani, resident veteran, who attended the ceremony. “Being surrounded by fellow veterans, our families and my wife ahead of Memorial Day made the event especially meaningful.”
The event served as both a celebration and a moment of reflection ahead of Memorial Day, honoring the residents whose service and stories continue to inspire the Ebenezer and Fairview communities.
On behalf of all of us at Ebenezer and Fairview, thank you for your service!