Nurse Lays Flag over Dying Veteran. Calls His Name as They Salute Him Final Time
US Army SFC/Ret. Sidney Shearing joined the army straight after high school. For the next 20 years, he fought for his country stationed in Germany, Hawaii, two tours in Vietnam and combat tours in Dominican Republic.
Throughout his life, he received many awards and honors, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation among them.
For the next 20 years following his retirement, the veteran worked as a cardiovascular technician.
Due to recent failing health, Shearing requested his name be called when he passed away for a proper military “send off from Saint Francis.”
On March 25, 2018, at the age of 72, Shearing’s final hour drew near. His nurse, Sergio, brought in an American flag to lay over him in his final moments.
Shearing’s sister Jeanne recorded the heartbreaking moment her brother passed and the honorable send-off that followed.
Sergio, a sergeant, began by calling out Shearing’s brother in the room, Officer Day, before calling out his own name. Both men responded by saying “present.”
Then the nurse called out Shearing’s name three times. With no answer, the two raised their hands and saluted Shearing for the final time.
The men then honored the soldier by playing the lights-out melody “Taps” and removing the flag from his body before folding it up together.
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Jeanne posted the video to Facebook in honor of her brother and to thank the nurse who made his final wish a reality.
“My big brother, Sid, finished his journey through this life at 4:55 this morning,” she wrote.
“The nurse that worked Friday night brought a flag to lay over his bed as he grew closer to the finish line.
“[Sid] asked to be called when he passed so he could give give him a proper send off from Saint Francis. His name is Sergio and to him, I will be eternally grateful. I’ve never experienced such kindness.”
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