News

November 3, 2015

Good Samaritan Medical Center to Commemorate Veterans Day with Wall of Heroes, Mass in the Hospital Chapel, and Field of Flags.



Good Samaritan Medical Center will commemorate Veterans Day on November 11, 2015 with several activities including a Wall of Heroes, Mass of Remembrance, Field of Flags, and a Free Meal to all Veterans who present a Veteran’s ID card in the cafeteria.

 
Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, has been celebrated nationally since November 11, 1919 – one year after the end of World War I – and was a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act by changing the word "Armistice" to "Veterans” on June 1, 1954, and November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
 
The hospital has reached out to staff and volunteers to invite those with military service – either as Veterans or on active duty – to share names and photographs to be displayed during a Mass of Remembrance in the chapel. All names will also be displayed in the cafeteria.
 
Members of the community are invited to join in the events. The mass will be at 8:00am in the Good Samaritan Medical Center Chapel and will be followed by a brief reception at 8:30am. In addition, all Veterans are welcome to a free meal in the hospital cafeteria upon presentation of their Veteran’s ID card. The hospital cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the hospital and is open 6:30am – 6:45pm, daily.
 
“As a Veteran in a family of Veterans, I know how deeply important these observances are to the men and women who serve to keep our country safe,” said Koji Nishimura, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Good Samaritan Medical Center. “Our Veterans face challenges like no other when serving in the Armed Forces, often times with the sacrifice of their Families, and even at the expense of their lives and health. I am grateful for, and honored by, the efforts made by Good Samaritan to recognize the men and woman of the Armed Forces who are members of our hospital community.”
 
In addition, the hospital will display an 11 foot by 11 foot Field of Flags on the lawn outside the front entrance to signify the date and time the Armistice was signed: 11/11 at 11:11 AM. The flags will also represent solidarity for all those who have served.