A handful of hospice care facilities planned special Veterans Day ceremonies for men and women in their care who may be celebrating the holiday for the final time.
ActivCare 4S Ranch and The Patrician in University City gave out certificates and pins to the veterans living there, while also reading poems and singing songs to honor their service and sacrifice.
"It's awesome, this is such a wonderful place," says Sandy Lucia. Her father, Joe, is 92 years old and served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He also suffers from dementia.
"Please, tell the people of America, support these kids," he said after the ceremony. "I was a young kid and they supported me during World War II."
"To see these men, who can barely walk, stand up and salute for the National Anthem, that's inspiring," says Joe's other daughter, Tina.
The ceremonies also had a veteran play Taps and the anthem of all four branches of service. The vets and their families sang patriotic songs, clapped and cheered as each veteran had his name called out.
Organizers say it's about adding another joyful memory to their lives, instead of lamenting what they've lost.
"You could be down, or they could be sad, but they're happy," says Sandy. "Every day they're happy."
