10th annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony honors veterans at Center for Hospice Care’s Mishawaka Campus

On Tuesday, October 14, veterans and civilians alike assembled at Center for Hospice Care’s Mishawaka Campus by the Captain Robert J. Hiler, Jr. Veterans Memorial to honor veterans during the annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony. With the event reaching its 10th year, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Center for Hospice Care Mike Wargo is grateful for the continued support of the local community and leaders in recognizing veterans.

“It’s hard to believe this is our tenth year,” Wargo said with a smile. “I still remember that first event back in 2016 like it was yesterday. The U.S. Navy band made the trip from Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, the Victory Belles came all the way from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and the whole place came alive. We had more than 250 people under a big circus tent — many of them World War II veterans — and the energy was incredible. Major General Carr, who was Indiana’s Adjutant General at the time, even arrived by Blackhawk helicopter. It was one of those days you never forget. Senator Joe Donnelly was our keynote speaker, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and Mayor Dave Wood were there, and you could just feel the pride and gratitude in the air. That day set the tone for everything this event has come to mean.”

Every year, people donate around a dozen memorial gifts, including plaques and bricks as well as larger donations like benches. This year was no exception, with several donations made to honor local veterans and add to the memorial. Wargo is always pleased with both the turnout and the generous donations at the annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony.

“I love the fact that we’re able to put people’s names or associated names with something on our campus, especially for veterans who we have cared for through the years,” Wargo said. “I think these kinds of events are so important for people who want to memorialize their loved ones in some way and give a meaningful gift that will last for many years to come. They are then able to come out and visit whenever they want.”

Guest speaker John LaDue is a veteran and a board member of Mishawaka Troop Town, which is currently putting up transitional housing for veterans next to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Jefferson Boulevard. He is always eager to find ways to impact the local veteran community and jumped at the chance to be involved in this year’s Veterans Tribute Ceremony.

“As a veteran myself, I’m always looking for opportunities to serve our local veterans here,” LaDue said. “I think any event like this one that takes the time to honor and celebrate our military veterans is valuable. With the beautiful memorial we have here at Center for Hospice Care, it is certainly an appropriate spot to do it. Mishawaka has done a great job of making facilities, events, and memorials to honor and celebrate our veterans.”

Veteran and Coordinator for Miller’s Vets Color Guard Ed Buras was proud to be part of the Veterans Tribute Ceremony and called the community’s attention to the sacrifices local veterans have made for their country.

“It’s good to be thankful to veterans. So many people enjoy the freedoms that they have, but they don’t really know the people who fought for those freedoms. They gave their time, their lives, and their sacrifice to this country, so that’s why I think it’s always good to honor veterans,” Buras said.

For more information about Center for Hospice Care, visit cfhcare.org.