Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.
In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the event’s tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.
“As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital,” Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. “It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.”
About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.
Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.
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The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.
Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.
Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical…
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