As Memorial Day approaches, we honor those who gave the “last full measure of devotion” for our country. The College nearly shut its doors in the 1860s, when over 400 students and graduates joined the Union Army. Some of their letters survive in our archives. Thomas DeKay Kimball Jr. fought in the 88th Indiana Volunteers. He was captured by Confederate forces in 1863 and died in a prisoner of war camp. https://bit.ly/4dtZQet Asher LaFleur was one of over a dozen Hillsdale students who served in the Battle of Gettysburg with 342 men in the 4th Michigan Volunteer. After three hours of fighting, only 55 of the original 342 were left. LaFleur was one of the fortunate few. https://bit.ly/3SfXt5m Of the hundreds of Hillsdale students who served the Union Army, three earned the Medal of Honor, three became generals, and multiple served as regimental commanders. We remember them, as we remember all who have served. (fb)

When Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, its purpose was to honor Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. After World War I, however, the observance was broadened to include fallen soldiers from all major American wars. (fb)