About the Nurse Honor Guard
The Nurse Honor Guard attends the funeral or memorial service of a nurse who has passed away. Members typically dress in the traditional white uniform complete with cap and cape. Members can stand silently by the casket or urn before the start of a service, then perform the Nightingale Tribute to honor a nurse and show respect for the profession.
The Ceremony
The Nightingale Tribute begins with a short synopsis of the nurse's career. A white rose and lamp are presented to the nurse's loved ones, symbolizing honor and appreciation for the nurse's dedication. The ceremony includes the reading of the poem "She Was There" (or "He Was There"), and the Final Call of Duty is recited.
"She was there in the darkest hours, a comforting presence in times of need. She was there in moments of joy, celebrating new life and recovery. She was there, a dedicated nurse, answering her calling."
See the Ceremony in Action
Watch these videos to see how other Nurse Honor Guard chapters perform their ceremonies:
Our Chapter History
In fall 2024, local nurses established the Nurse Honor Guard of Northern Virginia, dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of nurses in our community. Rooted in service, compassion, and respect, our chapter was created to fill a need in this region, where nursing has a rich and diverse heritage. We believe every nurse deserves recognition for a lifetime of care. Through word of mouth, community outreach, and heartfelt ceremonies, we have grown into a group that brings comfort to families and pride to fellow nurses.
The Nurse Honor Guard offers a meaningful way to give back through tributes, fellowship, and preserving the traditions of our profession. We welcome active and retired nurses to join us in giving colleagues the honor their service so richly deserves. Several nurse honor guard chapters also operate in Virginia.
The Nurse Honor Guard originated in 2003 with the Kansas State Nurses Association, followed by a few groups across the country. In 2011, Julia Godby Murray slowly began reaching out through social media, and over the next decade, helped organize over 200 groups. She started the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition which helps groups get started and allows groups to help each other grow.