Photo By Trevor Seela | Col. Jeff Goodes gives a piece of birthday cake to Barbara Miller, the oldest Marine...... read more read more
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. - The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center hosted a special program to celebrate Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday, Nov. 7, at Lovell FHCC’s Bourke Hall in North Chicago, Ill.
Guest speakers included Capt. James A. Lovell, the facility’s namesake, and Col. Jeffery Goodes, commander of Marine Air Control Group 48.
The event opened with introductory remarks by Capt. José Acosta, commanding officer and deputy director of Lovell FHCC. Acosta started by recognizing how appropriate it was to observe both Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday at the same event.
“It is fitting to celebrate both occasions today and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of all those Marines, sailors, airmen and soldiers who have served in the past, are serving now, or will serve in the future,” Acosta said.
Acosta noted how proud he was to represent the staff of Lovell FHCC. He told the crowd that the men and women working at Lovell FHCC, many veterans themselves, consider it an honor to serve both veterans and active duty patients and give those patients “the care they deserve every day, not just on Veterans Day.”
Acosta then introduced guest speaker Lovell, Apollo 13 astronaut and retired Navy captain. Lovell spoke to the crowd about the importance of honoring veterans.
“Our patriotic veterans valued and defended our way of life and were willing to sacrifice their own lives … from Valley Forge to Afghanistan, the fighting spirit of our servicemen permeates our nation’s history,” Lovell said.
Lovell finished his remarks by telling attendees how proud he was to be associated with such a high-quality health care facility.
After Lovell’s remarks, the Marine Air Control Group presented a birthday cake for the service’s 238th birthday. Following Marine Corps tradition, Goodes cut cake for the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Cody Prisk, born in 1992, and the oldest, Barbara Miller, born in 1923. Goodes then spoke in honor of the occasion.
“Marines are considered the guardians of the Constitution, and few answer the call to join this uncommon profession,” Goodes said.
He charged the veterans in the crowd to be proud of their service and to proudly show others their commitment to the country by flying service flags and wearing service pins.
The program finished with the traditional playing of taps by the Great Lakes Naval Station Brass Quintet.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2013 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 116502 |
| Location: | NORTH CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 123 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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