PEORIA, Ill. – Rick Otey, a 76-year-old Navy vet, has embarked on a mission to honor local veterans receiving hospice or end of life care.
He tells WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” what Operation Last Watch entails.
“It’s a way of acknowledging their service, holding a little mission ceremony for him or her, and telling them we thank you for your service, and more or less relieve them from their watch in a symbolic way,” Otey says.
Operation Last Watch is for veterans who are too ill to take part in the Greater Peoria Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
The private ceremony includes a reading of the veteran’s military service as well as gifts of thanks for their love of country. The American flag and the flag of their military branch are also displayed during the ceremony.
Otey says while each veteran’s military oath remains intact to the end of their life, relieving them of their watch will hopefully allow them to rest easy and know the freedom they fought for will remain after their passing.
To learn more about Operation Last Watch, or to request a ceremony for a local veteran, email Rick Otey at operationlastwatch@yahoo.com.
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