Health center honors veterans with mural

Hall of Heroes created

Contributed photo

DERBY — Birmingham Health Center honored its resident veterans with a mural by Annette Dostale on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7.

The ceremony in the Hall of Heroes was attended by William E. Purcell, president of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Anthony Staffieri, the center said in a written statement.

Purcell spoke of the contributions made by the “greatest generation,” including his father and many Birmingham residents.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri, a Purple Heart recipient, spoke about being in the Vietnam War and encouraged veterans to be open about their service, the statement said.

“I hope veterans speak to their children and grandchildren and share their stories, so no one ever forgets the sacrifices that were made for our freedom,” Staffieri said.

As the only facility in the Greater Valley with associations to the U.S. Veterans Administration, Birmingham wanted to find a meaningful way to honor each veteran, the statement said.

To Dostale, that meant incorporating a bald eagle, a symbol of the nation since 1782, which is known for its strength and majestic looks, the statement said. The emblem was incorporated with the American flag in honor of the veterans. 

The artwork was completed in six months and includes 29 biographies of veterans from five branches of the military who fought in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Director of admissions Shirley Dominguez oversaw the project and plans to continue to add to the hall until every veteran is included.

“It is our small way to thank them for the sacrifices that they made and for their service to our country,” Dominguez said in the statement.

Birmingham offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

For information, call 203-735-7401.

The above was taken from a press release.