Did you know that a pharmacist, Henry C. Welles, had the idea to place flowers on the graves of those who fought in the Civil War in the summer of 1865? This idea was the precursor to what we now know as Memorial Day. With the help of General John B. Murray, Welles organized the first memorial, which took place on May 5, 1866. This ceremony eventually became the Memorial Day we observe today.
APhA Today
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) remains dedicated to honoring veterans on Memorial Day and throughout the year. APhA’s Memorial Flagpole, located in front of their headquarters, features four scenes depicting medicines used in wartime. Inside the headquarters is the Federal Pharmacy Conference Room, dedicated by pharmacists in the service. APhA also hosts a Veterans Day ceremony annually to recognize American veterans and healthcare providers.
APhA collaborates with the Joint Federal Pharmacy Seminar (JFPS), the largest annual federal pharmacy event, working with federal pharmacy advisors to organize educational activities and meetings.
Paws for Veterans
Since 2012, APhA has partnered with Paws for Veterans, an organization providing service dogs to veterans dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder. Over the years, they’ve raised nearly $42,000 to support the cause.
APhA Flagpole Memorial
Located in front of the APhA headquarters, the Flagpole Memorial honors federal pharmacists who have served in various American conflicts. Originally installed in 1948, the memorial depicts pharmacists who served from the Revolutionary War through to the Persian Gulf Wars. The memorial is currently undergoing updates to honor those who served in recent conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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