17 Feb 2025 Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard recognizes the service of nurses
Nurses Honor Guards have been established in other states since 2003. In February 2021, the Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard (ANHG) was created to continue this legacy and to honor Teresa Buchanan, RN, of Rose Bud, who envisioned bringing this benevolent service to Arkansas. Buchanan passed away from COVID-19 complications before fulfilling her dream, so her best friend from nursing school, Elsie Collins brought her dream to life, ensuring the first tribute was in Buchanan’s honor, which was held in Searcy. This heartfelt gesture of three nurses coming together to honor a friend’s dream has evolved into a statewide nonprofit, charitable organization with 25 chapters and more than 450 members. Last year, 172 tributes were provided throughout the state.
“The ANHG is committed to honoring and paying tribute to men and women at their time of death who have dedicated their careers to nursing,” said Karen Martin, Faulkner County Chapter leader. “The organization has collectively paid tribute to more than 380 remarkable nurses and considers it a privilege to be entrusted by so many families in honoring their cherished nurse.”
The 501 area is home to five ANHG chapters, each dedicated to serving their communities. The White and Lonoke County Chapter, one of the two founding chapters, also serves Monroe, Prairie and Woodruff counties. Other chapters in the 501 area include the Garland County Chapter, the Little Rock Chapter, the Saline County Chapter and the Faulkner County Chapter, which also serves Cleburne, Conway, Perry and Van Buren counties.
The tribute includes lighting a nursing lamp during the reading of “The Nightingale Tribute,” followed by the presentation of a white rose and reading a poem that beautifully reflects on the life and calling of nursing. “The brief tribute is simple, yet meaningful. It serves as a poignant reminder of a nurse’s dedication and a gesture of gratitude to their families,” Martin said. At the service’s conclusion, nurses are invited to stand in unity as a final call to duty is made. The nurse’s name and title are called three times, each followed by the ringing of a bell or triangle. Upon the third call, the nurse is officially released from their nursing duties, the lamp’s flame is extinguished and the lamp may be presented to the family as a keepsake.
This complimentary service is available to all nurses (LPN, RN or APRN) and is made possible by dedicated volunteer nurses, with support from donations, dues and fundraising efforts. To request a tribute service, message the Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard Facebook page. Active or retired nurses interested in joining are encouraged to visit anhg.info to explore chapters in the 501 area and throughout the state to experience the camaraderie that defines the organization.
