A night of remembrance

A large group gathered on the track area at Wilbarger General Hospital to recognize and remember friends and family who had died of Covid-19 during a “Vernon Remembers” event held at sunset Monday evening.

The event, hosted by the hospital, opened with the welcome by hospital CEO Tom Siemers. Pastor Early Williams gave the opening prayer and words, followed by singing of “Oceans” by Crystal Wells.

WGH employee commemoration was given by Laci Danner, RN, BSN, who told of the staff’s experience with the patients as they battled Covid. Each nurse was also recognized. Also recognized were other staff members, fire department, police and first responders.

Names of the patients were read by the nurses followed by a moment of silence and concluded with Wells singing “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”

The Vernon Strong flag dedication was made  by Vernon Mayor Pam Gosline.

Closing the event with words of hope and a prayer was Pastor Anthony Inman.

A circle of luminaries was lit by glow sticks on the hospital’s front lawn.

Those remembered during the ceremony were Stevie Don Altman, Jimmy R. Anderson, Jason Jaden, “JJ” Boatman Peggy Bristo, Carl Cargile, Charles Coleman, Rodrigo Chavez, Steven Daniels, Amanda Dominquez, Merlene Emerson, Mary Jane Escalona, Glenna Everson.

Also, Tatay Garza, Garland Gibbs, Jesse Gutierrez, Benacio “Benny” Guzman Jr., Mary Harkins, Mary Hopkins, Victor Lynn Hutchins, Alan Jones, Virgil Knight, Diane Lay, Maria Leal, Janie Leija, Ceasar Lopez, William “Bill” Lowrey, Marion Lynn, Frankie Marquart, Sharon McGreger, Joyce Milligan, Salvador Montes, Ruben Ochoa, Jose Isabel Ortega, Monte Pannell, Lois Catherine Petty, Christopher Reece, Betty Riggins, Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez, Analilia Andrade Rodriguez, Juan Salazar, JD Sandoval, Carrol Smith, Dorothy Stevens, William Bryan “Bill” Townsend, Jr, Frank Louis Vanek, Charles Wallace, Donald Welker, Jack Woolridge, Eldon Worley and Angeline Zaick.