Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day in Mishawaka

Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day in Mishawaka

By Matthew Lentsch, Executive Director of Development and Government Affairs

Each year on Veterans Day, Mishawaka pauses to remember and to say thank you. We do so not only with ceremonies and words, but through the lasting symbols of gratitude that are woven into the very fabric of our community.

Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a moment to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have defended our nation, both in times of war and peace. It’s also a time to honor those who never came home, the ones who paid the ultimate price so that we might live freely. Their names, their legacies, and their values remind us of the deep sense of duty that defines the Mishawaka Way — service above self, commitment to community, and quiet strength in the face of challenge.

In Mishawaka, honoring our veterans isn’t limited to a single day in November — it’s something we strive to do every day. Last year, we dedicated the Mishawaka Veterans Walkway and Eternal Flame, a place of reflection and remembrance that stands as a living tribute to all who have worn the uniform. The flame burns continuously — a symbol of our city’s unwavering gratitude and respect.

Inside City Hall, our walls tell the story of service and sacrifice. Plaques honor Mishawaka residents who have served in every conflict since the Civil War. Each name represents a story, a family, and a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

Visitors entering City Hall are also greeted by a powerful reminder of World War II — a display that includes a piece of the USS Arizona, along with a plaque honoring USS Arizona Seaman Arthur Albert Huys of Mishawaka, who gave his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This tribute, now positioned at the building’s entrance, ensures that his memory — and the memory of all who served — is carried forward by everyone who walks through our doors.

As a community, we remain profoundly grateful to our veterans — to those still among us, and to those who rest in honored memory. Their courage built the foundation on which our freedoms stand today.

So on this Veterans Day, and every day, the City of Mishawaka proudly reaffirms its enduring commitment to remember, to reflect, and to honor. Because here in the Princess City, we never forget those who served — and we strive to serve in return.