Nurse Honor Guard History
2004: The Nightingale Tribute
Duane Jaeger wrote the Nightingale Tribute in 2004, entitled "She Was There." The Kansas State Nurses Association presented the tribute to the American Nurses Association, which was adopted as the official memorial for nurse colleagues (Harris, 2024).
2011: The National Nurse Honor Guard Coalition
In 2011, Julia Godby Murray, Founder and President of the National Nurse Honor Guard Coalition, started a nurse honor guard in Michigan and wore her historical uniform to Washington, D.C. rallying for safe nurse staffing. Julie spread the message via social media and has helped many other states form Honor Guards. Today, there are over 250 nurse honor guards across the United States. Each honor guard group operates autonomously, and the ceremonies can differ slightly from state to state. However, all the tributes contain similar details and aim to give fellow nurses recognition and dignity, free of charge (Nurse.org Staff, 2023).
2013: Establishment of Nurse Honor Guard
In 2013, the Nurse Honor Guard originated in the Midwestern United States, drawing inspiration from military honor guards, to specifically recognize and honor deceased nurses for their dedicated service throughout their careers. The concept was attributed to a retired nurse named Shelley Willette from Plattsburgh, NY, who established the National Nurses Honor Guard to formalize this practice (Hopkins, 2024).
2013: Virginia Nurse Honor Guard
Allison (William) Burnette is the contact to start a Nurse Honor Guard in Virginia. He is a member of the Roanoke Valley Nightingale Tribute (2013). Allison was instrumental in helping establish the Southwest Virginia Nurse Honor Guard, along with the members of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and The Health Wagon.
2018: Southwest Virginia Ceremonies-The Health Wagon
The Health Wagon proudly established the first Honor Guard in Southwest VA to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses in the region. This significant initiative was inaugurated with a touching ceremony honoring Pauline Moore Ratcliffe who passed away May 11, 2018, a beloved nurse who served at Norton Community Hospital, Norton, VA. for over 25 years. Pauline also was a veteran and served in the US Army. Pauline was not only a dedicated healthcare provider but also the cherished first cousin of Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson, DNP, and a dear friend to Dr. Paula Hill Collins, DNP who conducted the region's first ceremony. Her Honor Guard ceremony, held at her funeral, included a moving white rose ceremony symbolizing purity, honor, and remembrance where also nurses came forward to participate. A few months later, the Honor Guard paid tribute to Pauline's twin sister, Darlene Moore Nixon, who also worked alongside Pauline as a nurse, highlighting the sisters' profound impact on their community. A third ceremony followed for Shirley Moore McElyea, a sister-in-law to both Pauline and Darlene, and a fellow nurse whose service was equally celebrated. These heartfelt ceremonies underscore the Health Wagon's commitment to honoring the legacy and selfless dedication of nurses in Southwest Virginia.
2025: SWVA Nurse Honor Guard Future
The Southwest Region VCNP began selling $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win an Eko brand electronic stethoscope (valued at $400) to help fund SWVA Honor Guard endeavors. The funds will be used to acquire more honor guard supplies and expand services.
References
Harris, M. (2024). National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition: Remembering a colleague. https://journals.lww.com/homehealthcarenurseonline
Hopkins, C. (2024). Honoring compassion: The role of the Nurse Honor Guard. https://cmsa.org/honoring-c
Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners Southwest Region. (2025). New year update. https://www.vcnp.net/our-region/?RID=8
Southwest Virginia Nurse Honor Guard. (2025). Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571194695407
The Roanoke Valley Nightingale Tribute for Nurses. (2013). Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/608701299155040/