Activities

Today, the East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard traveled to Johnson City for a ceremony we will carry in our hearts for years to come. We had the extraordinary honor of presenting a Living Tribute to Agnes Lowe, 101 years young, recognizing a lifetime of service, dedication, and commitment to the nursing profession and to our country.

Surrounded by her family, friends, caregivers, and members of the community, Agnes was honored with the traditions that represent the heart of the Nurse Honor Guard. We shared the Nurses Prayer, presented her with the ceremonial rose and Nightingale lamp, and wrapped her in a beautiful embroidered blanket as a symbol of the warmth, gratitude, and respect of her fellow nurses.

And then came one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

Many years ago, Agnes was pinned as she began her journey into nursing. Today, at 101 years young, we had the privilege of pinning her once again—this time in recognition of a lifetime of commitment, compassion, sacrifice, and dedication to nursing and to our country.

Agnes was especially taken with the traditional white uniform of the East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard. She admired our cape and cap, sharing that she remembered nurses wearing these uniforms from years past. As she looked at the cape, Agnes mentioned that she wished she had one of her own.

Without hesitation, one of our East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard members removed her own cape and presented it to Agnes.

It was an unscripted moment of love and respect between nurses—one generation honoring another. Seeing Agnes wearing the cape and knowing the memories it brought back to her was a moment that touched everyone in the room. Once a nurse, always a nurse.

A special letter written on behalf of Agnes and the ETNHG to President Donald Trump, recognizing Agnes and her remarkable commitment to our country, was also read during the ceremony.

We were incredibly proud to present Agnes with a Centenarian Award and a special recognition certificate from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, which the ETNHG had requested in honor of her extraordinary life and service.

But perhaps one of the most touching moments involved one of Agnes’s final lifetime wishes.

Agnes had asked for a flag that had flown over the Tennessee State Capitol to someday be placed upon her casket when she reaches her final resting place. The East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard was honored to help fulfill that wish. A Tennessee State Capitol flag, flown over the Capitol and provided to the ETNHG especially for Agnes, was presented to her during today’s ceremony.

Representative Rebecca Alexander also joined in recognizing Agnes, presenting her with a special certificate from the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives honoring her service and dedication.

There was truly not a dry eye in the room.

The ceremony concluded in a beautiful and fitting way, with Agnes’s favorite singer performing the National Anthem—a powerful ending for a woman whose life has reflected service to both nursing and country.

Our heartfelt thanks to Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City for arranging such a meaningful celebration for their beloved resident and for bringing together Agnes’s family, friends, caregivers, and community to surround her with the love and recognition she so richly deserves.

Agnes, today we did not simply honor the years you have lived. We honored the lives you have touched, the patients you have cared for, the profession you have served, and the legacy you have created.

At 101 years young, your light continues to shine.

It was our privilege to stand beside you, to pin you once again, to place the cape of a fellow nurse around your shoulders, and to say:

Thank you, Nurse Lowe. Your service is remembered. Your dedication is honored. Your legacy will live on.

With love, gratitude, and the highest respect,
East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard