Photo By Christina Clarke | The Blue Holiday Memorial Tree provides an opportunity to symbolically connect with...... read more read more
Staff members at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples stand on their tiptoes as they hang ornaments on a tree decorated with blue twinkle lights. Chaplain Christilene Whalen stands nearby explaining the significance of the tree.
“The tree, officially called The Blue Holiday Memorial Tree, is meant to honor and recognize individuals in our lives that we are not able to be with this holiday season. Each bulb represents a family member or friend who, for whatever reason, deserves a special spot on the tree.”
The Blue Holiday Memorial Tree is not new to USNH Naples, however this year the tree has a more prominent display in the Support Site hospital atrium on the second deck. Patients, staff, and visitors are encouraged to visit the tree and hang an ornament to commemorate a loved one.
The command triad and several staff members were present for the lighting of the tree last week. Since that time, numerous others have placed bulbs with names and messages to loved ones on the tree. Some of the bulbs are for loved ones who have passed away, others are for infants lost too soon, and some are for those who may live halfway around the world.
“Often the memorial tree can be seen as a sad reminder of those who are not with us,” says Whalen. “But this year, I invite everyone to hang a bulb in honor of anyone you hold in your heart – living or not, near or far. The tree is meant to be a symbol of the great love we have for those in our lives.”
Whalen, who came onboard in the fall, has a background in clinical pastoral care. “I see my role in the care team as that of holistic healing. Whether a patient is religious or not, the work of the Chaplain is to bring a calming presence. We all have our own stories and I believe helping someone along their life journey contributes to overall healing. It is my sincere hope that the Blue Holiday Memorial Tree will provide strength and healing for those in need.”
If a member of the NSA Naples community would like to add a bulb to the tree, they are invited to visit the Support Site hospital atrium Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The USNH Naples choir has been providing festive music during the lunch hour in the atrium, contributing to the overall season of goodwill.
USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families.
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2019 02:24 |
| Story ID: | 355384 |
| Location: | GRICIGNANO D'AVERSA, IT |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Trim the Tree with Love, by Christina Clarke, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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