I don't know if this is national news or local news, but Walter Reed Army Hospital had a closing ceremony this week and now Walter Reed is part of the Naval Hospital at Bethesda, MD. An immense building program has been in place for several years at Bethesda Naval. I guess the new, modern complex is a good thing for the patients. Bethesda is a better venue for off campus activities than Walter Reed was. There is a lot of history in both facilities. My Dad was a guest at the dedication of the Naval Hospital in 1940, a big event attended by many dignitaries including FDR. Until recently, I had in my collection, a beautiful program commemorating the event, including the list of attendees. I framed it and gave it as a retirement gift to the senior NCO of the Dental Section at Bethesda. The retirement ceremony was held in an auditorium at the hospital and the reception, attended by more high ranking commissioned officers than I have ever seen in one place. Linda works in a dental office with this gentleman's wife and is acquainted with the whole family. I suggested the gift and he was quite impressed. Because of the proximity of the two facilities to local sporting clubs, Wounded Warrior events are regularly held in our area.
|