Past News & Events

2021 Events

In 2021, the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard was founded on October 1st with our very first tribute, marking the beginning of our mission to honor the lives and legacies of our fellow nurses. We held our first official meeting on October 28th, laying the foundation for what would become a dedicated and compassionate organization. Just weeks later, on November 12th, we performed our first official Nightingale Tribute as a group, launching a meaningful tradition of service, remembrance, and respect for those who devoted their lives to nursing.

2022 Events

In 2022, the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard proudly conducted 16 Nightingale Tributes to honor our fallen colleagues. Our efforts were recognized in a feature article published by the Lufkin Daily News. We held our second group meeting, continued to grow in visibility and reach, and traveled to Dallas, Texas, to pay tribute to Katie Annette Flowers. Additionally, we proudly participated in the Angelina County Veterans Day Parade with a specially designed float, showcasing our commitment to honoring nurses and veterans in our community.

2023 Events

In 2023, the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard experienced continued growth and deepened our presence in the community. We held our third group meeting, strengthening our bond and shared mission. That year also marked the beginning of a new tradition—the Memorial Tree at the Museum of East Texas' Festival of Trees. We sponsored and decorated a Christmas tree adorned with red cardinals, a nurse’s cap and cape, and the names of every nurse we have honored since our founding in 2021. We concluded the year with heartfelt pride, having paid tribute to 30 nurses, each one remembered with dignity and compassion.

2024 Events

In 2024, the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard continued to grow in visibility, service, and connection with our community. We held our annual group meeting and participated in several outreach events, including hosting a booth at the Women's Expo, volunteering at the Tyler County Hospital District’s Health Fair, and setting up a table at CHI St. Luke’s during Nurses Week. We also celebrated Nursing Home Week with the staff and residents of Huntington Health and Rehab, bringing joy and appreciation to fellow caregivers.

Two of our members proudly represented us at the Inaugural National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition Conference in Kentucky, connecting with other Honor Guards from across the country. Our efforts and impact were also recognized locally through an article and photo spread in the July edition of Charm Magazine.

We added new names and touches to our Memorial Tree at the Museum of East Texas’ Festival of Trees, continuing this cherished tradition. By the end of the year, we had the honor of performing 28 Nightingale Tributes, each one a solemn and heartfelt farewell to a fellow nurse.

2025 Events - to be continued...

In the first half of 2025, the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard reached several exciting milestones and continued to grow in both purpose and presence. Our President was interviewed by The Messenger, helping to share our mission with a broader audience. This spring, we began hosting quarterly meetings to better connect and coordinate our efforts throughout the year.

We celebrated a very special occasion with our first-ever Florence Nightingale Birthday Party, honoring the close of Nurses Week, International Nurses Day, and the birthday of Florence Nightingale herself—a beautiful tribute to the spirit of nursing.

A major milestone was achieved as we became an officially recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, solidifying our commitment to honoring nurses with the dignity they deserve. We also revamped our website and transitioned to a .org extension, enhancing our online presence and accessibility.

We held our Summer meeting and, as of June, have had the privilege of honoring 18 nurses in 2025. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community and cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard.

Thank you all for walking this journey with us.