Rep. Thomas Beach, left, presented the special honor to Colt Shope in a surprise ceremony on Thursday, June 27, in front of Shope’s peers at Baptist Easley. (Courtesy photo).
EASLEY — Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital nurse Colt Shope was recognized by the S.C. House of Representatives on Independence Day for his work honoring veterans near the end of life.
As part of the Veteran Flags for Comfort Care program, Shope and his nursing team present American flags to hospitalized veterans who are transitioning to comfort care, hospice or are near end of life. The flag is offered with words of gratitude for the veteran’s service, often in a quiet, emotional bedside ceremony.
“I’ve personally done it over 20 times, and it still makes me tear up,” said Shope, a nurse manager at Easley Baptist Hospital. “It’s a very, very emotional process.” Almost 30 veterans have been given flags through the heartfelt initiative.
The flags are now sponsored by American Legion Post 52 of Easley.
Rep. Thomas Beach presented the special honor to Shope in a surprise ceremony on Thursday, June 27, in front of Shope’s peers at Baptist Easley.
“I heard about this practice Mr. Shope started from the deep appreciation expressed in the local veteran community,” Beach said. “I shared the story with my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and we all felt strongly that we should formally recognize and thank Mr. Shope for his dedicated efforts to honor those who have served our country.”
The S.C. House of Representatives recognition honors Shope and highlights his leadership and personal dedication to ensuring every veteran is honored with the respect they deserve, even in their final days.
“Especially during this time of year, it’s important we recognize those who have served — and those who continue to serve them with care and dignity,” said Beach.