Bringing Comfort to Veterans

Inspired by a local news story, The George Haines Veteran Flag Program began in August 2019. The driving force behind the program is Navy veteran, and member of the American Legion Post #468, John Burns. “George Haines was a 95 year old World War II veteran. He saw a news story about an ICU nurse who placed flags on the doors of Veterans who were in the hospital. George called me up and asked, ‘What are we going to do about this?’ He felt it was something that the Legion should get involved in for the veterans at Unity Hospital,” Burns said.

After brainstorming with members of his Legion family, a plan was developed to place a flag magnet on the room door of all veterans admitted to Unity Hospital in Greece. The Veterans Outreach helped source the flag magnets at a reasonable price, and the program is primarily funded by the Greece Legion Organizations.

For approval to carry out the flag program at Unity, Burns prepared a presentation for the Hospital Board and suggested naming the program after George Haines. “George was a volunteer at Unity for over 40 years, everyone at the hospital knew who George was. It was an easy approval process. Unfortunately, George passed away at the age of 95 on the exact day that the Board approved the Flag Program. It now is his legacy,” Burns said.

In addition to Burns, the program coordinator, there are three other volunteer members of the group, Jim Donohoe, Lisa Larkins, and Ray Sciaratta. Each member has an organized day and time at Unity. They visit with patients and present them with a letter from the Legion Post thanking them for their service, and sending well wishes for a quick recovery. “The program is a lot more than just presenting flags. Visiting the patients is a very important part of the process. Sometimes we are the only ones who visit them while they are in the hospital. It is important for them to know their Veteran Family is looking out for them,” Burns said.

As of July 1, 2022 over 3,200 flags have been placed on the doors of veteran hospital patients at Unity through this program.

If you are interested in helping to fund the Veteran’s Flag Program, donations are accepted by mailing a check or money order, made out to Greece American Legion Post #468, 344 Dorsey Road, Rochester, New York 14616. Indicate on the check Flag Program.

For more information on the Greece American Legion Post #468 visit www.greeceny468legionpost.com