Mayo Regional Hospital honors veterans

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Mayo Regional Hospital honored local and national veterans during a wreath dedication ceremony at the hospital on Veterans Day — Nov. 11. The event was attended by community members, hospital staff and local veterans who came to show support and appreciation for the community’s veterans and their families.

Photo courtesy of Mayo Regional Hospital

 HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED — Taking part in Mayo Regional Hospital’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 were, from left, Ron Smith, Brad Ellis, Dr. Dave McDermott and Bruce Marshall.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Brad Ellis, formerly of Mayo Regional Hospital’s Engineering Department and commander of the American Legion Post 165 in Sangerville. Dr. Dave McDermott, MD, MPH, CPE, FACPE, medical director of Inpatient and Emergency Services at Mayo Regional Hospital, read a dedication honoring the nation’s troops.

“Mayo Regional Hospital values the service of our veterans,” Dr. McDermott said. “Many of our staff members have served in uniform — many more have spouses, children, or parents who have served or are serving in uniform now. We are proud to serve all veterans in the Maine Highlands and their families not only on special days such as this but every day of the year.”

During the ceremony, several community members and employees of the hospital honored their relatives who are currently serving or have served in the past.

This annual observance and tribute thanks each veteran in the communities served by Mayo Regional Hospital and each veteran who has touched the lives of members of the Mayo team. Mayo Regional Hospital is a veteran-friendly employer, including policies that help to bridge the gap for employees in the Guard or Reserve who are called to periods of extended active duty that help to ensure that they do not suffer a loss of income in the event that the military pay is lower than their civilian earnings.

The wreath, donated by Ellis, was dedicated at the hospital flagpole at the entrance to the hospital, where it will remain as a visible reminder to honor the service men and women on Veterans Day and every day.