MARYSVILLE — Bernadine Butler knows what it means to serve her country. Butler was a combat nurse in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. She lived in New Orleans and was a victim of Hurricane Katrina, where she lost her service documents and awards. She served on the police force in Philadelphia.

Now, as a Marysville resident, she is being honored for her service as a veteran through the Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County’s “We Honor Veterans” program.

“She told me to tell everyone who asked that she did her country proud,” said Butler’s brother Pete Duhon. “And I’m proud of her.”

Butler served in the 47th Medical Combat Hospital during her years of active duty service. Duhon said she was generally very circumspect in her statements about time spent in the armed forces. “She never told me what happened. Just said she did her country proud,” he said.

Providence Hospice and Home Care organized a pinning ceremony for Butler at her North Marysville home on May 11, in which she received a pin, three coins, a pocket flag, a certificate and handmade gifts.

“I was elated,” said Barbara Duhon, Butler’s sister, when she was told about the ceremony. “I was totally surprised. I can usually adjust to anything but I was overwhelmed. I think she’d be very excited.”

Connie Wittren, an organizer for the event, invited Col. Liz Mittelstaedt, Maj. Meemie Tha, and retired Lt. Col. Pat Schommer from the Madigan Army Medical Center to attend and present Butler with commemorative coins, including one from the Army Nurse Corps, which Mittelstaedt referred to as being a very coveted coin. She also expressed the feeling of camaraderie among combat nurses.

“Behind her is a whole army of folks who wish they could be here,” said Mittelstaedt.

Schommer presented Butler with a handmade quilt patterned with American flag imagery.

“It was my distinct pleasure to make this for you,” said Schommer as she placed the quilt with Butler.

One of the most touching gifts presented to Butler during the ceremony came from Tha.

“It is an honor for me to be here today. Especially since it was this week in 2008 when I deployed with the 47th Combat Hospital, just like you,” said Tha, who began to remove a patch from the shoulder of her uniform. “I’ll leave you with a patch. A patch that went to Iraq with me and came back.”

Verlyn Retzer, the hospice chaplain, presented Butler with her certificate of appreciation.

“Bernie, thank you for your service to our country,” said Retzer. Patti Hammill attached the pin to Butler’s shirt. The ceremony ended with the crowd saluting Butler.

“Wow, I’m totally overwhelmed,” said Barbara Duhon. “I think if Bernie could talk to us today, she’d be as excited as I am. Thank you so much for everything.”