Quincy Reporter

Gov. Bruce Rauner presided over a dedication ceremony for Lester Hammond Hall in Quincy on Oct. 19.

The building was previously called Sycamore Healthcare but was renamed and dedicated for Cpl. Lester Hammond, who was a soldier in the Korean War and killed in action protecting his fellow soldiers during heavy enemy fire at the age of 21.

Hammond received a Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart for his actions.

Rauner said the day of the ceremony was a very special day for the people of Quincy.

"America is the greatest nation on earth," Rauner said. "We are the greatest for one reason: the dedication of our men and women in uniform and their families."

Rauner said the ceremony was to celebrate a special hero.

"In Illinois, we try to make every day Veterans Day," Rauner said. "We try to do something special for veterans every day. Today we celebrate a true American hero, a true Illinois hero and a hometown Quincy hero. That's what this is about."

Hammond grew up in Quincy and joined the Army.

"Army Cpl. Lester Hammond: American hero," Rauner said. "We are so proud of him in the state of Illinois and here in Quincy."

Rauner said the new veterans home will be the most modern, effective healthcare facility for veterans.

"I think it’s terrible that our efforts to support our veterans become politicized," Rauner said. "That’s wrong. There is no partisanship that should touch helping our veterans. Every day should be Veterans Day."

Rauner said the work being done on the vetera's home was part of a larger effort to completely rebuild the veterans home and make it the most modern facility in the nation.

"The goal is an overall increase of beds and all services provided," Rauner said. "We are going to offer daycare, behavioral health services for veterans and a full range of quality support for veterans and families."

Rauner said construction is getting done rapidly.

Several family members of Hammond's were at the dedication ceremony, including Brad Richmiller, who was Hammond's nephew. He spoke on behalf of the family and thanked the governor and those involved in the efforts to help veterans.

Residents of the veterans home were recognized, as well as the staff of the home and the design team.