West Seattle Veterans Day scene: ‘Pinning’ at The Mount

A stirring Veterans Day ceremony this afternoon at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle: A “pinning ceremony” for more than two dozen veterans who live at The Mount. They were recognized, one last time, for their service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and got the chance to tell their stories. Among them, 92-year-old Donald Hill, in our photo below with son Dave, who introduced him:

According to a Mount spokesperson, Hill “decoded Nazi messages off the cliffs of Dover and landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day shortly after the first troops landed. Hill continued to decode messages as he and his fellow soldiers made their way through France, Belgium and Germany.” He was featured in this Seattle Times story earlier this week. This afternoon’s ceremony was in the chapel at The Mount; elsewhere in the building, a bulletin board is honoring those who have served:

The “We Honor Veterans” program is part of Providence Hospice of Seattle, which is caring for some of the veterans who participated in today’s ceremony – find out more about the program, and the veterans, here.

Larry November 11, 2015 (7:27 pm)

God bless our Veterans and a heart felt thank you.

Anton November 11, 2015 (7:31 pm)

Thanks to all that have served and ensured our freedoms.

yumpears November 11, 2015 (9:37 pm)

Why is it “They were recognized, one last time” – will they not be recognized next year?

Sorry, that line sort of bothers me. My grandfather and mother were both at the Mount in their last years, but you never know when it’s the “last” year.

Patrick November 11, 2015 (10:12 pm)

That’s the information we were given. Perhaps it would have been better as a quote. For one, I don’t believe they do this every year; for two, it was pointed out that some of the veterans are in hospice care, so believed to be in their final weeks/months. I sure hope they prove the “last time” wrong too. – TR

Homedk November 11, 2015 (10:21 pm)

The Mount is wonderful, so glad to see this story! My Mom spent several years there. While I don’t recall a ceremony such as this, I do remember that they always celebrated Veteran’s Day.

Susan Clark, PMSV November 12, 2015 (11:03 am)

Thanks for your comments about “one last time.” Perhaps we should have used a different choice of words. We did not mean to imply it as a literal phase. Thanks for pointing that out!
We recognize our veterans every year, but this was the first time we’ve invited the community to join us. From the response yesterday, I’m sure we’ll continue to invite any and all veterans to be a part of this special occasion.

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