Honoring Our Hidden Lake Heroes: A Tribute to Our Veterans
This article honors the bravery and sacrifice of Hidden Lake's veterans, acknowledging their vital role in protecting our freedoms and serving our nation.
As we approach Veterans Day on November 11, it's essential to reflect on its origins and profound significance for our community and nation.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The day marked a moment of peace after years of conflict and sacrifice and was originally established to honor the brave soldiers who fought in that war. In 1938, Veterans Day was officially recognized as a national holiday. However, the need to honor all American veterans became apparent after World War II and the Korean War.
In 1954, following the efforts of various veterans' organizations and the support of the public, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a World War II veteran himself, signed a bill into law that renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This change emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by all who have served in the military, regardless of the conflict or era. Since then, November 11 has become a day dedicated to honoring every veteran defending our freedoms, ensuring their bravery and dedication are never forgotten.
In Hidden Lake, we are privileged to have a diverse group of veterans living among us—individuals who have answered the call of duty, putting their lives at risk to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. These men and women come from various backgrounds and have served in different capacities. Whether in combat zones or support roles, they share a deep commitment to our country and its ideals. Their stories, each unique, are often filled with courage and resilience, and each one contributes to the rich tapestry of our nation's history.
It's essential to recognize that many of these veterans are humble. They don't seek accolades or fancy articles written in their honor. Instead, they often prefer to blend into the background, quietly proud of their service. They don't ask for recognition; they simply want us to understand their sacrifices and the profound impact their service has had on our lives.
This Veterans Day, let us take a moment to truly acknowledge who they are. They are our neighbors, friends, and family members who have dedicated a part of their lives to ensure our safety and freedom. Some may have witnessed the horrors of war, while others have served in peacetime, yet all have made sacrifices that deserve our respect and gratitude. Their bravery inspires us, reminding us that our freedoms come at a cost.
As we gather to honor our veterans, let's express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your bravery, our freedom, and keeping us safe. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we admire your dedication. Many veterans carry the weight of their experiences with them, and it's vital that we offer our support and appreciation not just on Veterans Day but throughout the entire year.
God bless you all, our heroes of Hidden Lake. Your service means the world to us. As we mark this important day, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude and respect for all veterans, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
On November 11, be sure to say Thank You to these Courageous men and women who protected us and kept us safe.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The day marked a moment of peace after years of conflict and sacrifice and was originally established to honor the brave soldiers who fought in that war. In 1938, Veterans Day was officially recognized as a national holiday. However, the need to honor all American veterans became apparent after World War II and the Korean War.
In 1954, following the efforts of various veterans' organizations and the support of the public, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a World War II veteran himself, signed a bill into law that renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This change emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by all who have served in the military, regardless of the conflict or era. Since then, November 11 has become a day dedicated to honoring every veteran defending our freedoms, ensuring their bravery and dedication are never forgotten.
In Hidden Lake, we are privileged to have a diverse group of veterans living among us—individuals who have answered the call of duty, putting their lives at risk to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. These men and women come from various backgrounds and have served in different capacities. Whether in combat zones or support roles, they share a deep commitment to our country and its ideals. Their stories, each unique, are often filled with courage and resilience, and each one contributes to the rich tapestry of our nation's history.
It's essential to recognize that many of these veterans are humble. They don't seek accolades or fancy articles written in their honor. Instead, they often prefer to blend into the background, quietly proud of their service. They don't ask for recognition; they simply want us to understand their sacrifices and the profound impact their service has had on our lives.
This Veterans Day, let us take a moment to truly acknowledge who they are. They are our neighbors, friends, and family members who have dedicated a part of their lives to ensure our safety and freedom. Some may have witnessed the horrors of war, while others have served in peacetime, yet all have made sacrifices that deserve our respect and gratitude. Their bravery inspires us, reminding us that our freedoms come at a cost.
As we gather to honor our veterans, let's express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your bravery, our freedom, and keeping us safe. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we admire your dedication. Many veterans carry the weight of their experiences with them, and it's vital that we offer our support and appreciation not just on Veterans Day but throughout the entire year.
God bless you all, our heroes of Hidden Lake. Your service means the world to us. As we mark this important day, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude and respect for all veterans, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
On November 11, be sure to say Thank You to these Courageous men and women who protected us and kept us safe.
Kurt Bond
U.S. Navy
1968–1971
Builder Second class
Boulder Shores
Ken Dickinson
1962 Air Force Training
1962-68 Michigan Air National Guard
Sergeant
Lighthouse Point
Rick Ferrando
Marines
1979-2002
Lieutenant Colonel
Stoney Point Drive
Bob Jacobs
Army Security Agency
1966-1980
Rank E 5
Stoney Creek
Don Killing
Michigan Air National Guard
1966–1972
Staff Sergeant
Sparkling Waters
Frank Lorence
Army
1952-1954
Corporal
Cliffview Drive
Mike Martinez
Army
Sergeant
1969-1970
Cliffview Drive
Vincent McGinniss
USAF
2008–2011
Captain | Flight surgeon for the 354th Fighter Squadron Davis-Monthan AFB
Stoney Point Drive
Dean Van Zegeren
Air Force
E5
1964-1968
Waterfall Court