Erlanger Holds Private Ceremony Honoring 9/11 Victims And Chattanooga

  • Monday, September 14, 2015
Ceremonial artists Jenny Bell and Celeste Stewart
Ceremonial artists Jenny Bell and Celeste Stewart

During a private ceremony overlooking the Tennessee River and the surrounding valley at Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE hangar, somber sounds of a harp and an ancient ram’s horn (Shafar) could be heard echoing throughout the area Friday morning – the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

 

As Celeste Stewart and Jenny Bell played their instruments, members of Erlanger’s team, who were also affected by the 9/11 attacks, bowed their heads to reflect. 

 

Paul Maguire was a paramedic in New York and now a physician services consultant at Erlanger.  “I grew up there and watched many of the buildings in the area being built.  I am lucky many of my friends came back home, but the sounds and smells are tough to forget.”

 

John Loetscher, VP of Facilities Engineering and Real Estate at Erlanger, was at a New York hospital awaiting patients after the attacks.  “We were mobilized and ready to respond and accept patients.  We prepared for some many people, but very few came.” 

 

“We wanted to take a few minutes today to pray for the victims of 9/11 and for the City of Chattanooga,” said Erlanger’s President and CEO, Kevin Spiegel.  “Erlanger is honored to have Celeste and Jenny here to share this moment.”

 

Celeste Stewart and Jenny Bell are ceremonial artists who accepted the offer to play.

"We know the Lord wanted his trumpets to blow today,” said Celeste Stewart. 

 

“We do this for the glory of God and to bless our community, every community,” added Jenny Bell. 

 

Pictured from left to right are Robbie Tester, Erlanger Administrator of LIFE FORCE; Kevin Spiegel, Erlanger President and CEO; Dr. Jan Keys, Erlanger Sr. VP and Chief Nursing Executive; John Loetscher, Erlanger VP of Facilities Engineering and Real Estate; and Paul Maguire, Erlanger Physician Services Consultant.
Pictured from left to right are Robbie Tester, Erlanger Administrator of LIFE FORCE; Kevin Spiegel, Erlanger President and CEO; Dr. Jan Keys, Erlanger Sr. VP and Chief Nursing Executive; John Loetscher, Erlanger VP of Facilities Engineering and Real Estate; and Paul Maguire, Erlanger Physician Services Consultant.
Living Well
TN AG's DCA Issues Consumer Alert Ahead Of April 8 Solar Eclipse
  • 3/27/2024

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office issued the following warning on Wednesday to consumers regarding the upcoming solar eclipse: "While the Volunteer State is not in the path of totality ... more

Hamilton Medical Center Recognized For Excellence With Cardiac Catheterization Lab Accreditation
Hamilton Medical Center Recognized For Excellence With Cardiac Catheterization Lab Accreditation
  • 3/26/2024

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Hamilton Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including ... more

Hamilton Medical Center Receives National, Regional, State And Local Recognition For Medical Excellence
Hamilton Medical Center Receives National, Regional, State And Local Recognition For Medical Excellence
  • 3/26/2024

Hamilton Medical Center has been recognized for medical excellence and patient safety quality by CareChex. HMC was ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation in three categories for 2024. ... more