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(Honesdale, May 19, 2009)…On Friday, May 22, 2009, Wayne Memorial Hospital will remember those to whom its very existence is dedicated—local soldiers and sailors who gave their lives for their country. The Hospital has invited veterans groups from all over Wayne and Pike Counties to join in a special ceremony at 11am. The event will include live music with traditional patriotic songs, speeches and a 21-gun salute.

      “This is really about service,” said G. Richard Garman, executive director of Wayne Memorial Health Foundation and organizer of the event. “As a nonprofit healthcare provider and the only hospital in Wayne County, Wayne Memorial is here to serve the community.  On this day, we will honor men and women who truly understood the nature of service—they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and their fellow Americans, all of us.”

      The ceremony will take place on and around the island in front of the hospital and point to the reinstatement of the hospital’s original 1920 dedication tablet. The bronze plaque, listing the names of 55 Wayne County soldiers lost in World War I, was recently re-hung. It can be seen on the corner of the hospital’s newest building, which houses an expanded Emergency Department built in 2005.

      Many prominent officials and local organizations are taking part in the ceremony. State Senator Lisa Baker (R) will be the keynote speaker. The US Army’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment will perform a “Salute to the Fallen” which includes a 21-rifle salute. The Honesdale High School band will play several selections, and Honesdale High School student Megan Gallik will sing the National Anthem.

      Honesdale florists Bolds, Casteks and Honesdale Greenhouse have donated many decorations for the event and Woodloch Pines is providing shuttle