URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On Veterans Day, Carle Health honored those who have served the United States through solemn flag-raising and flag-folding ceremonies held across all eight of its hospitals. The events celebrated courage, sacrifice, and community — values that connect military service to the healthcare mission.
At Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, the ceremony began with a prayer led by Rev. Christopher Williams Sr., staff chaplain, who invited those gathered to pause and give thanks for the men and women who have protected the nation’s freedoms.
Eric Swenson, Carle’s Strategic Planning Coordinator since 2001 and an Iraq combat veteran who served in 2006 and 2007, delivered heartfelt remarks about the enduring meaning of Veterans Day.
“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, allied forces in Europe and Germany declared an armistice that marked the end of the First World War,” Swenson said. “People took to the streets. They wept and they cried, because at last we were at peace. More than a century later, those words still move us to tears. As Americans, we still feel the pain of that moment carried in our nation’s soul.”
Swenson reflected on the emotions of remembrance and gratitude, noting that Armistice Day eventually became Veterans Day to honor all who have served. “Every year, people ask me how to mark Veterans Day,” he said. “On days that mark pain and sacrifice, how should we feel? What do we say? How do we ensure we honor? My answer is this — we do what we’re doing now. We pause for a brief moment to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
He also spoke about finding camaraderie through Carle MVP (Military and Veteran Professionals), the organization’s Inclusion Connection group that supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. “There’s a veterans group here at Carle, and I consider them friends,” Swenson said. “It’s been a great opportunity to find each other, to share stories, and to support one another. We all share the same commitment — to serve, to care, and to give back.”
During the ceremony, participants conducted the Folding of the American Flag, a tradition often called the Thirteen Folds Ceremony. The flag was respectfully lowered, folded 13 times — each fold representing principles such as life, liberty, honor, and remembrance — and then raised again to full staff. The solemn display symbolized the nation’s gratitude and unity.
Swenson closed his remarks with a message that encouraged compassion and action. I ask that when we leave this place, whether we’re warm or we’re cold, we laugh or we cry, we do it knowing we are free.”
Dr. James Leonard, Carle Health president and CEO, expressed his deep appreciation for veterans across the organization and beyond. “They said ‘yes’ to their country and to their community,” Leonard said. “Their service to our country and to our patients mirror each other. They cannot be separated. They reflect their values.”
Leonard said he was especially grateful for the many Carle nurses, doctors, and administrators who are veterans, noting that their continued service through healthcare exemplifies the spirit of duty. “We are especially grateful for those who have served our nation and now serve our community,” he said. “Their sacrifices and their continued care are examples of the best of who we are.”
Similar ceremonies were held at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Carle Eureka Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, and Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. Each ceremony featured remarks, Color Guards, and the symbolic raising and folding of the American flag.
“These ceremonies remind us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off,” Leonard said. “It lives on every day — in the care we provide, in our communities, and in the values we uphold.”
For more information about Carle Health’s support for veterans and its Carle MVP program, visit Carle.org.
