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 the fall of 2024, the need for a chapter in northern Virginia was identified, and a group of interested individuals formed a planning committee. Five nurse honor guard chapters and two Nightingale tribute groups 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.