Baptist Health Hardin holds Memorial Wreath Ceremony honoring fallen service members ahead of Memorial Day

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (May 23, 2025) — Baptist Health Hardin staff and volunteers gathered Friday for the hospital’s first-ever Memorial Wreath Ceremony, a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the United States.

The 30-minute ceremony, held at the hospital’s flagpole, featured a presentation of the memorial wreath by several members of Boy Scout Troop 221 and Cub Scout Pack 130, both of Elizabethtown. Following the wreath placement, the scouts lowered the flag to half-staff. Steve White, the hospital’s executive director of ancillary services, gave remarks on the meaning of Memorial Day and the hospital’s commitment to honoring service and sacrifice in all its forms.

The national anthem was performed by Music Therapy Program Director Kaitlyn Mendoza, and an invocation was given by Jessica Jasper, director of Spiritual Care.

“This was a beautiful and powerful moment for our hospital community,” said Jessica Jasper. “It allowed us to slow down, reflect, and truly honor the meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday.”

The event also included reflections from hospital staff and volunteers who served in the armed forces, offering personal stories and sharing their perspectives on Memorial Day. Nurse Manager Mary Bauer shared the story of her uncle, Justin Attutis, who was captured and killed during World War II. Volunteers Terry Goff and Lance Heffer also shared stories of remembrance.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence.

Today’s event marked the beginning of what hospital leaders hope will become an annual tradition.

The wreath will remain in the hospital lobby inside Entrance B, near the gift shop, for the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to write a note of remembrance or gratitude to be published in the hospital’s newsletter and potentially used in next year’s Memorial Wreath Ceremony.