Memorial Day Celebration Brought to Grand Strand Nursing Home Residents by Devoted Staff
May 27, 2024
By HERE News
HORRY COUNTY, SC
In a heartwarming gesture, the staff at the Angel Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Horry County, SC, transported the spirit of Memorial Day to their residents. The event, which was filled with joy, laughter, shared memories, and a sense of community, was spearheaded by the enthusiastic employees eager to give their residents a day of excitement.
Memorial Day Celebrations Take a New Turn
Unable to partake in community events often due to their limited mobility, the residents of the center reveled in the festivities. “It’s a day of happiness and joy. It’s great and marvelous to know that you are included in the scheme of things,” expressed one of the residents, Franceen DeCicco, while Roger Essi agreed, describing the day as one filled with happiness and joy.
As opposed to the usual Memorial Day events, the celebrations on Monday consisted of a series of indoor activities including games, mouth-watering food, and a crowd-favorite pie-eating contest.
Staff Makes Special Efforts to Ensure Inclusion
Understanding the occasional feelings of boredom and loneliness creeping into the lives of the residents, the activities director at Angel Oak, William Gallagher, highlighted the importance of these events. “Each event in this building is important because the residents don’t always have time for another event, so each event has to be just as good as the rest of them.”
Memorial Day Celebration, Especially Significant for Veterans
The Memorial Day celebration holds special significance for the veterans living at the home. Resident and veteran David Boggs, appreciating the initiatives to honor the fallen heroes, urged people to recognize and remember their sacrifice. “Just go out and have a good time with those of us that are living,” said Boggs.
Staff members, like Gallagher, affirmed that events like these were as exhilarating for them as they were for the residents. They cast a light on the functioning of the institution, demonstrating their sincere care for, and commitment to, the residents, highlighting how integral each individual was to the community.
In closing, as public celebrations rise once again following the trials of the global pandemic, it’s heartening to see smaller, more intimate celebrations taking place, ensuring that Memorial Day is marked with memorable moments, honoring heroes, past and present.
Copyright 2024, HERE News Network. All rights reserved.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
