Hillsdale College Celebrates Veterans Day, Honors Those Who Served
Events included ‘Decoration Day,’ a football game, and shooting at the Halter Center.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College hosted a number of events around Veterans Day to honor those who have served in America’s armed forces. Events included a football game and shooting at the Halter Center. Students also revived “Decoration Day,” a tradition honoring Hillsdale College soldiers.
“Every soldier swears an oath, laying down his rights as a citizen to take up the duty of defending his country,” said Peter Jennings. “It is important for us to honor our veterans for their sacrifice and service.”
“Every soldier swears an oath, laying down his rights as a citizen to take up the duty of defending his country.”
In 1895, Hillsdale dedicated the Soldier Statue to “perpetually teach a lesson … in the hope that it will thrill the hearts of the students of this institution with a deeper pride, as they are thus made to think how its sons proved loyal, even unto death, in the hour of their country’s peril.” In the following years, Hillsdale College annually observed Decoration Day — a time of unity, remembrance, and gratitude.
The Marines on campus and the College Republicans revived the tradition this year with a Decoration Day and Veterans Day ceremony front of the Soldier Statue that included hymns, recitation, a historical address, a flag dedication, and a cannon salute.
“Freedom isn’t free,” said Jeffery Rogers, associated dean of men. “This day is a chance for us to remember those who sacrificed for it and to be grateful to God for the freedoms we enjoy.”
“Freedom isn’t free. This day is a chance for us to remember those who sacrificed for it and to be grateful to God for the freedoms we enjoy.”
The Hillsdale College Football Team hosted a military appreciation day football game on Oct. 25. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families received free admission to the game, as did anyone who brough a toy to donate to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Veterans and active-duty service members were also invited to join the team for a pregame meal, a pregame tailgate, and a pregame ceremony on the field honoring veterans and American Legion Posts.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, Hillsdale’s John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center invited veterans to come and shoot for free.
Hillsdale also supports veterans through the Freedom Scholarship, which provides private funding for veterans to earn a bachelor’s degree, allowing them to use G.I. Bill benefits for graduate school or for their children’s education.