Photo by Daniel Henry, Executive Services Col. Norvell Van Coots, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, makes a toast to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the completion of Building 1 (the original hospital at Walter Reed), and to kick off the centennial-year celebration of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

ìExactly 100 years ago today, the building we are standing in, Building 1, the original Walter Reed General Hospital, was completed. On this day in 1908, the last brick was laid, the last board nailed in place, the last light bulb screwed in and the last door screwed to its hinges,î Col. Norvell Van Coots, Walter Reed Health Care System commander, told the audience.

The hospital did not open for patients until May 1, 1909, when the first 10 patients transferred from Army General Hospital at Washington Barracks (now Fort McNair).

At its opening, Walter Reed General Hospital consisted of 80 beds and a staff of five medical officers, 62 enlisted Soldiers and three civilians to care for its first 10 patients. Since then, tens of thousands of military patients, retirees and family members have come to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for care and treatment.

According to Cathy Sorge, command archivist, the original building was equipped with technological advances such as hot water heating, electric lighting and indoor plumbing with sewer connections. The third floor housed the operating rooms, and there was a prison ward located on the second floor.

ìWalter Reed left us a legacy of advancing the boundaries of medical knowledge; a heritage we remain true to, even to this day,î Coots said. ìIn the last few years alone, we have made tremendous advances in surgical procedures and use of antibiotics to improve the health and quality of life of those entrusted to our care. It is this legacy that we honor every day, and we will continue to honor as we consolidate our staff with others at the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.î