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By Angela Lambert

Nine Our Lady of the Angels nurses – Sherri Bullock, Janice Augustine, Tren Garbo, Lisa Gennaro, Jill Breazeale, Patsy Welch, Leigh Anne Parden, Marilyn Youngblood and Wanda Saucier – were recently inducted into the Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard’s Northshore Chapter. This volunteer organization pays tribute to nurses at the time of their passing by performing the Nightingale Tribute at their funerals or memorial services.

The Honor Guard Council members dress in traditional white uniforms complete with cap and cape. The ceremony lasts approximately five minutes and consists of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, which symbolizes the nurse’s dedication to the profession. After the Nightingale Tribute is recited, the nurse’s prayer is read. The nurse’s name is spoken, and a triangle is rung three times. This signifies that the nurse is officially released from duty. The Nightingale lamp is then extinguished and presented to the family with quiet condolences.