American Legion Riders celebrate Armed Forces Day with Hospice

Press release

Niagara Hospice's Sunset Drive campus was beautifully decorated in red, white and blue on Saturday, May 19, as staff, volunteers and patients welcomed motorcyclists from Wheatfield Post No. 1451 American Legion Riders who rode in for an Armed Forces Day commemoration. Everyone had their fill of refreshments and, for many, their first grilled hot dog of the season while enjoying beautiful weather and conversation with the Riders.

The Color Guard from the American Legion Riders later performed the flag-raising ceremony at the Niagara Hospice Service Memorial Wall in the gardens, providing a wonderful and fitting tribute to those who serve and have served America.

Niagara Hospice event coordinator, Many Raff, gratefully accepted a donation of more than $1,100, which the American Legion Riders raised throughout the day through registrations, 50/50 raffles and other activities.

"We are so thankful for the support of the American Legion Riders and for the privilege to celebrate our country and our heroes with them," Raff said.

Niagara Hospice celebrates Armed Forces Day as part of its "We Honor Veterans" initiative. In partnership with the Veterans Administration to ensure quality end-of-life care is available to all Niagara County veterans, goals include educating veterans and the community about the hospice benefit; customizing hospice care plans specific to the special needs of veterans; and recruiting community veterans to serve as hospice volunteers who are paired with Niagara Hospice patients who are also veterans.

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to more than 20,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. No one is ever denied hospice care due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-439-4417.