ROCHELLE — The Hub City Senior Center partnered with ProMedica Hospice Wednesday to host a Veterans Day celebration to honor and recognize local veterans. 

The event included a brief ceremony followed by a pin and certificate presentation. 

“On behalf of myself and our team at the senior center, we just want to thank you for joining us in this celebration to honor our veterans,” HCSC Executive Director Diana King said. “Words cannot express the gratitude we have for each and every one of you for your service. Thank you so much."

Mayor John Bearrows attended and spoke at the event and thanked local veterans for their service. He said he and the city have the ability to make decisions because of the veterans that fought for the country’s freedom and that veterans deserve to be thanked daily, not just once or twice a year. 

“This is one of the parts of being mayor that I love, being able to come and talk to veterans,” Bearrows said. “If you don't remember anything else today, I hope that as we walk away we share with others how our veterans are so important to us and we have to remember them every day. Thank you to all the servicemen and women here and everywhere. We appreciate your service and you giving us freedom. We certainly know and remember that freedom is not free.”

The national anthem was played at the event and the pledge of allegiance was recited. After each veteran in the room received a pin and certificate, they stood as their branch’s song was played. To close the proceedings, a poem was read and “God Bless the U.S.A.” was played.  "Finally I'll leave you with one thought that I pray you carry home with you,” Bearrows said. “The best way to honor our veterans is to take an active role in maintaining freedom in America. Show our veterans that this is a country that is worthy of what they have given and lost. God bless our veterans and God bless the United States of America."