In 1953, civic leaders and citizens from throughout Monterey County achieved their dream of opening a modern hospital in Salinas. World War II had stalled previous efforts that Bruce Church and other early founders began in 1941. While the post-war era was a time of great economic expansion, the years of conflict left an indelible impact on Monterey County.
A Devastating Toll for Salinas
Roy Diaz was one of just 47 men who returned following the departure of 105 soldiers who left Salinas and served in Bataan, the site of one of the most devastating military defeats in American history. According to the Monterey County Historical Society, Salinas lost more men per capita in the Bataan Death March than any other town in the United States. At the hospital’s dedication ceremony, Mr. Diaz unveiled a plaque memorializing the new facility as: “Dedicated to the health of the community in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice for their community and their nation.”
A Legacy of Recognition
Seven decades later, our recognition of Veterans remains fundamental. As medical advances have dramatically transformed the healthcare landscape and new ways of thinking have reshaped systems and processes, how we honor Veterans has also changed and grown. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are important reminders to pause with gratitude for the sacrifices of those in service to our nation.
Hundreds of flags line the perimeter of our medical center on these days of observation, reminding the community of the true significance of these observances and the service and sacrifice they represent. Salinas Valley Health is also proud to participate in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Salinas.
Yet Monterey County’s longstanding military presence is also woven into the fabric of everyday life here on the Central Coast. We are fortunate to house world-class military installations that provide specialized training and education for every branch of the Armed Services. Many of the servicemen and women once stationed at Fort Ord and our other military bases continue to call the Central Coast home.
Convening a Task Force to Support Real-Time Tribute
Rising to a future with an even greater focus on the connection between community and individual well-being, we not only celebrate the memory of those who have died while serving our nation, we also pay real-time tribute to the Veterans who live and work alongside us.
A multi-departmental task force convened in fall 2022 identified new ways to honor Veterans who come to us for care. Staff-inspired ideas that have since been implemented include recognition of employees with Veteran status through special insignia on their name badges – serving as both a tribute to their service and an immediate way to connect with patients who are Veterans. A magnetic flag is posted on the whiteboard in patient rooms of Veterans, and a team of volunteers works year-round crafting patriotic lap blankets to gift to service members as a meaningful tribute for putting their lives on the line for our nation.
Lasting Testament to Service Above Self
There is special significance in a community coming together to share appreciation for those who have served our country. Celebrating our Veterans and the families who supported them during their years of military service is an intrinsic part of what we do at Salinas Valley Health – for this heroic group of individuals and for our overall community. Monterey County’s longstanding military presence is not only a foundational part of our history; it is a testament to service above self.
