On the special occasion of Veterans Day 2020, officials from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) dedicated a special reserved parking space in their main entrance area to Purple Heart recipients.
The ceremony is part of Hartford HealthCare’s ongoing commitment to honor and care for Connecticut veteran through both the Department of Defense’s Vietnam 50th Commemoration and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization‘s We Honor Veterans Level 4 program.
“I am pleased that Charlotte Hungerford Hospital has become the latest Purple Heart establishment and recognizing the sacrifices our brave soldiers have made for us. The only way a person can get a Purple Heart is to be wounded in combat by an enemy of the United States.” said Daniel M. Eddinger, Major (Retired), Connecticut State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Torrington resident and recipient of two Purple Heart medals.
The medal is given to members of the military from past wars, posthumously, retired, or currently on active duty, and Gold Star families. The Military Order of the Purple Heart was established in 1932 in Derby by three World War I Purple Heart recipients. Chapter 1 of the MOPH is still active today.
“It’s an immense honor and privilege to witness the unveiling of this dedicated and reserved parking space for Purple Heart Recipients at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital,” said Brian Ohler, the Associate Director of Safety and Engineering for HHC’s Northwest Region, who is also a Purple Heart recipient. “This solemn gesture is indicative of CHH’s greater mission of serving our local communities and saluting our heroic veterans, especially those who were wounded in combat.
“As a veteran myself, who was wounded in combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and as an employee at CHH, I am so proud to have been able to work with such an amazing group of people; who’s heartfelt and collective efforts were able to make this moment happen.”
Due to the current pandemic safety precautions, the hospital is making the space available now and plans to conduct a more formal ceremony in the future to include veterans, their families, and a proclamation when it safe to hold larger public gatherings.