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In 1949, Al Shepherd, of Craig, had his tonsils out at the newly opened The Memorial Hospital.

He remembered the name of his doctor and the nurse who woke him after his surgery.

On Saturday, he walked through the medical surgery wing of The Memorial Hospital during a public tour of the new facility, built during the last year off of Moffat County Road 7 west of Craig.

"This is just beautiful," he said as he walked through the recovery room where future patients would be woken up. "Oh, it's much better now. I mean, they used ether back then."

A dedication and public tours of the new building took place Saturday, giving the public its first opportunity to see the $42.6 million project that was made possible by a bond issue passed in 2007.

The ceremony featured a flag raising by Veterans of Foreign War Post 4265 and American Legion Post 62, and speeches by community political figures and hospital staff.

An emotional George Rohrich, TMH chief executive officer, thanked the public for helping realize what he said was a "dream of the community."

Moffat County Commissioner Audrey Danner said the occasion was an important milestone in building the future of Craig.

"Today, we can all share in the feeling of a job well done," she said.

After the building was officially christened by chief clinical officer Beka Warren, the eager public rushed toward the glass doors.

An estimated 2,000 people turned out throughout the day for a final glimpse of the building before security measures are enacted and the hospital opens to patients.

In groups of 10, those waiting in line were ushered into the lobby and assigned tour guides, who were all hospital staff members.

Surgical techs, administrators and nurses all shared their enthusiasm for their new workplace with curious and awed community members.

Virginia Elliot was in one of the first groups to make it back around to the lobby.

"It's wonderful," Virginia said. "It's so much bigger, like everything's just been multiplied."

She said the color schemes and decor give the building a homier feel.

"It doesn't feel like an institution in here," she said.

Craig resident Johnny Sfreddo said having a facility like TMH in Craig is vital to the community.

"When you look around at this you understand why it's so important to the community," he said. "If you want to be healthy and live a long life, you have to have this."

He said he was impressed that the new facility was only 4,000 square feet larger, but the efficient use of space made it feel spacious and more welcoming.

Jim Meineke was one of the people who opposed some aspects of the construction of the hospital while the plans were making the rounds through public meetings.

"I stood up at all those meetings and spoke out against this location," he said. "I was just worried about the access to it. But I think this will do just fine."

He said before the first TMH was built in the 1940s, Craig residents had to travel to Hayden or Steamboat Springs for their medical care.

In 60 years, Craig has gone from a few small clinics to a 77,000-square-foot facility high atop a hill overlooking the Yampa Valley.

"Now, you don't have to go anywhere else," Meineke said. "It's totally wonderful."