The Hillsdale Exchange Club placed crosses by the courthouse to honor veterans. Alessia Sandala | Collegian

Fifty people gathered outside the Hillsdale County Courthouse Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to honor former soldiers at the Veteran’s Affairs Office’s annual Veterans Day memorial. 

“It’s the time to honor veterans that served in the military. It’s what that day is set aside for. For both veterans who are with us and veterans who are deceased,” said Renae Shircliff, director of the Hillsdale County Veteran’s Affairs office.

The memorial included a performance from the Hillsdale High School choir and a keynote speech from state Rep. Jennifer Wortz, R-Quincy. Attendants also placed wreaths on stone crosses in front of the courthouse to show reverence for Hillsdale’s fallen soldiers. 

“We have the women from the Daughters of the American Revolution present wreaths for each war. We put them up front toward the grey stones that are there at the courthouse,” Shircliff said.  

In her speech, Wortz expressed gratitude for growing up in a place that emphasized the importance of honoring the men and women who give their lives to protect the country. 

“In the family that I was raised in here in Hillsdale County, we honor all who served, the living and the dead,” Wortz said in her speech. “I’m so thankful that I learned at an early age that it is our responsibility as residents of this state and this community and the United States of America, to hold in high regard those who have fought for our country and to honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives and served.”

Peter Jennings, associate professor of Leadership Studies, served as a Marine Corps infantry officer for 14 years with three combat tours in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He said those who did not answer the call to serve should not only express heartfelt gratitude to veterans but also spend time in prayerful thought and meditation.

“Do you really understand that your life was bought for you for a price, that our lives are not our own, that we’re called as Christians, and as men, and as republican citizens of this country to consecrate ourselves, to set our lives apart in sacrificial service to others, without expectation of reward?” Jennings said. “Whether that’s our wife or family, our community, our country, they’re all our neighbors.”