Hackensack University Medical Center Observes Memorial Day
May 25, 2018
In remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center a held Memorial Day ceremony to honor its team members who are also military heroes. The solemn ceremonies were conducted in military fashion by uniformed members of the Hackensack Meridian Health Military Honor Guard.
The keynote address was delivered by Jason A. Kreitner, FACHE, vice president, senior operations officer at Hackensack University Medical Center, whose father is a veteran who served in the Air Force pre-Vietnam era where he was a crew chief on F-105's.
"We must honor our fallen and active military and support and thank our veterans for their service to our country," said Jason Kreitner. "Memorial Day is just one day of solace, deep respect and gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to stand here today in freedom. We must never forget."
Paul Kovatis, M.D., who comes from a long line of decorated warriors and is heavily involved with several military organizations, presented the Veteran's network with a signed copy of Lone Survivor along with a Navy Seal Class Trident.
"On this most solemn of days, the Veteran's network and Hackensack University Medical Center are being presented with items that honor our fallen warriors," said Daniel Dulude, United States Air Force. "The items that are being presented and displayed here each contain a story of bravery in the face of terror, steadfastness to complete the mission and the loss of our staunchest protectors.&rdquo
During the ceremony, a wreath was placed by Lisa Tank, M.D., vice president, chief medical officer of Hackensack University Medical Center to honor the fallen warriors followed by a moment of silence. The families of two fallen Hackensack Military personnel placed roses in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county's first hospital, it is now part of one of the largest networks in the state comprised of 33,000 team members and more than 6,500 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report's 2017-18 Best Hospital rankings - maintaining its place atop the NJ rankings since the rating system was introduced. It was also named one of the top four New York Metro Area hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Becker's Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2018. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 23 Gold Seals of Approval™ by The Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women's and Children's Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women's Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guide's list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to The Northern Trust PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Children's Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital. To learn more, visit www.HackensackUMC.org.