Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman Jamila Winder, Commissioner Neal Makhija, George Whitehair, Dr. Francis Jeyaraj and Commissioner Tom DiBell
Montgomery County Commissioners on Thursday issued a proclamation for Black History Month recognizing the accomplishments of Dr. Frank Erdman Boston, a World War I veteran and Black physician who founded Lansdale Hospital.
"Our initial project has been an enormous success in bringing the hidden story of a remarkable African American, Dr. Frank Erdman Boston (1890-1960), to our nation,” said George Whitehair, executive director of the Boston Legacy Foundation and the chief researcher for the Boston story.
"Last week, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and the Pa. VFW embraced the Boston story, highlighting Dr. Boston for Black History Month in an article published by the US Department of Defense,” Whitehair told the commissioners.
Dr. Boston was a WWI veteran, doctor, surgeon, first responder, and graduate of Fort Des Moines, who served in France with the 92nd Division (Buffalo Division) and returned to accomplish incredible feats, including being an early pioneer in the EMS field.
His accomplishments include being one of the first African Americans to start both a hospital, now Lansdale-Jefferson part of Jefferson Health, and an ambulance service, VMSC Ambulance Corps. Both institutions continue to grow and serve their community almost 100 years after Dr. Boston started them.
The three county commissioners, Chairwoman Jamila Winder, Commissioner Neal Makhija, and Commissioner Tom DiBello, spoke to acknowledge the accomplishments and service of Dr. Boston with a county proclamation.
"We are honored to recognize Dr. Boston, especially during Black History Month,” said Winder.
"Dr. Boston represents the best of us and shows how we can all come together and support each other. Montgomery County is one of the most diverse counties in the state, if not the region, and we are proud to recognize one of our own in Dr. Boston,” said Dr. Francis Jeyaraj, a retired pediatrician and member of the Boston Legacy Foundation.
The proclamation reads in part, "Throughout his life until his death in 1960, Dr. Boston continued to dedicate himself to supporting veterans, educating his community and his craft, and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners are honored to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Frank E. Boston and his contributions to the medical field and his community.”
"Coming up next will be a documentary film to be released later this year to ensure his story continues to grow and motivate the next generation,” added Whitehair.
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