Westchester County Hospices Host 5th Annual Veterans Breakfast
White Plains, NY (PRWEB) November 19, 2014 -- According to the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, 56,000 veterans live in Westchester County. Continuing its tradition, the region’s four hospice organizations hosted their fifth annual inter-hospice countywide breakfast. The event commemorated Veterans Recognition Month and honored County residents who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
A record number of close to 300 veterans, representing the five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard, attended the breakfast. Co-sponsors of the event included Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester (HPCW); Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam; Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care; and Phelps Hospice.
Following a welcome from planning committee member Cornelia Schimert, RN, Rev. Ervin R. Graves, Hospice Chaplain, shared a moving invocation. Presenters at the breakfast included Colonel Mary Westmoreland, US Army, Retired; Vito Pinto, Director, Westchester County Office of Veteran’s Affairs; Dr. Wavell Hodge from VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System; and Edward M. Dinan, President and CEO, New York-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital.
The morning’s program included many heartfelt comments from Keynote presenter Colonel Westmoreland who shared her personal story, history, and inspirations in joining and remaining in the Armed Forces – including her time at the Pentagon and other leadership roles. Dr. Hodge spoke about his history in with the army and the difference and sacrifices the men and women in attendance made for our country.
In addition to the program, musical interludes were provided by Simon Boyar, Boyar Music Studios, who played many patriotic songs throughout the morning. Sleepy Hollow High School Chorus closed the breakfast by singing the fight songs for each military branch, as attendees saluted and sang their respected branch’s song.
At the breakfast’s conclusion, Colonel Westmoreland returned to the podium for the Remembrance service joining Hospice Chaplain Rev. Graves, and Staff Sargent Kenneth Barnes who played a touching Trumpet performance of Taps. Each veteran in attendance was given a mug to take home in commemoration of this year’s event, as a gift from the four county hospices.
About Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester:
Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester is a private, not-for-profit healthcare agency that provides skilled, compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care to patients with any life-limiting illness and gives support to their families and loved ones. Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester is located at 311 North Street, Suite 204, White Plains, NY. For additional information, visit http://www.hospiceofwestchester.com or call (914) 682-1484.
Lisa Santacruz, Co-Communications, Inc., +1 9146660066, [email protected]
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