Agnes Lowe Honored '26

Ms. Agnes Lowe was honored by the East Tennessee Nursing Honor Guard , State Representative Rebecca Alexander, and staff at Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City along with a Proclamation and Flag from the Governor’s office for her service as a Nursing Cadet in WWII. Agnes was among 8,000 cadets from Tennessee (120,000 nationwide) who stepped up to serve as cadets during WWII when the government asked for volunteers due to an extreme shortage of nurses to care for soldiers during the war. At 18 years old, Agnes joined the cause and served her country well. She returned to the Tri-Cities and worked for many years at Mountain Home VA Hospital in Johnson City.

After the program ended in 1948, former Cadet Nurses were not officially recognized as veterans and were not eligible for benefits and legal entitlements of traditional veterans despite their significant wartime contributions.  In recent decades, advocates including Agnes Lowe have pushed Congress to grant the Cadets honorary veteran status. However, the measures remain pending. Ms. Lowe was acknowledged today for her service during wartime and after. She received a special blanket and honor guard cape, a flag that was flown over the State Capital as well as a special pinning by the Nursing Honor Guard. Ms. Lowe takes pride in knowing the flag will be draped over her casket when the time comes.

Ms. Lowe will celebrate her 101st birthday on September 21st. She has made Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City her home since February 28, 2024. CALofJC thanks Ms. Lowe and the many other Cadet Nurses for their sacrifice and service to our country.

(Click photos to enlarge.)