On Memorial Day, May 25th, Wayne Memorial Hospital rededicated its healthcare facility in honor of all area veterans. The event, which included the unveiling of a plaque, was part of Wayne Memorial’s year-long Centennial Celebration. The plaque, now mounted at the hospital’s Main Entrance reads, “The foundation of this hospital was built upon the commitment of these veterans to freedom and democracy for all, for which this community is eternally grateful.”
Wayne Memorial officials originally planned an elaborate event to mark the Centennial Rededication with nearly 200 guests expected—veterans from organizations across three counties, board members, medical staff, administration and government officials. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony initially slated for May 30, was placed on hold. To ensure that the contribution of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces would be acknowledged during 2020, members of the hospital’s Centennial Committee decided to move forward with a smaller-scale event adhering to social-distancing and masking for those present.
Wayne Memorial Hospital Board Chair, Hugh Rechner, who is also a U.S. Army veteran, addressed the group of nearly a dozen people, “To mark the passing of Wayne Memorial’s first one hundred years and highlight the beginning of its second century, we have come together with this rededication plaque to honor all veterans.” He commented that although the future remains unseen, the past is strong, “the history of Wayne Memorial is one of dedication to our community, growth and achievement, all aimed at the goal of providing the very best healthcare possible.” He added, “All of us here at Wayne Memorial pledge to make every effort to continue the tradition of service established by the founders.”
The hospital’s original building located on Court Street was dedicated in 1920 to a group of 55 Wayne County soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. In 1995, the hospital was rededicated to Pike and Wayne County troops who lost their lives in service to their country.
Wayne Memorial Hospital is a non-profit, community-controlled hospital based in Honesdale, PA. For more information on all of our inpatient and outpatient services visit www.wmh.org and like us on Facebook.
Back row, left to right: Dirk Mumford, former Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) Board Chair; Joann Hudak, vice-chair WMH Board and chair WMH Centennial Committee; Larry Zeller, retired WMH respiratory therapist & U.S. veteran; William Dewar III, MD, WMH Chief of Staff; Phil Sheehan, commander VFW Post 531; James Bruck, American Legion Post 254; Louis D’Oro, MD, WMH Medical Staff President & U.S. veteran; Sean McVeigh, MD, WMH pulmonologist & U.S. veteran; James Carbone, American Legion Post 254. Front: WMH CEO David Hoff & WMH Board Chair Hugh Rechner, U.S. veteran.