LANSING - It was night was a night of celebrating and honoring our first responders who put their life on the line every day to protect and serve our nation. Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes and Trinity Church held an "Honoring Those Who Serve" event to give thanks to our first responders. Among those honored included Meridian Townships very own fire and police departments, among other departments from nearby cities.

Undersherrif of Ingham County and Keynote speaker of the event, Andrew R. Bouck, explains what exactly the event means and why it is important to have stating, "This event is a way for the community to honor those that serve. Whether it be in the armed forces or the first responders that work in Ingham County." Speaking on the importance of the event and why it's necessary to have he says, "It's important to honor our every day heroes and to honor the heroes in the United States Military. If it were not for the men and women in the Military our country would cease to exist and since inception it's been fought for and defended on an almost daily basis. The same can be said here in the communities that freedom was fought for and is now protected so that you can enjoy a normal day in Ingham County because of the work and efforts of your first responders."

The event featured music, a pipe band, military honors, stories of heroic efforts, a rendition of God Bless America and so much more. The event also featured some musical selections throughout the evening performed by Matt Eldred accompanied by Gyumi Rha on the piano.

They also took several moments throughout the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives fighting for and protecting our country and its citizens.

Bouck would also like to remind people to acknowledge our first responders and armed forces members when we see them out in public. "When you get a chance and see a member of armed forces or a first responder in our community, if you don't feel comfortable going up to them saying thank you for their service, just give them a simple thumbs up, they'll know what you mean."

HOMTV would also like to give a huge thank you to all of the first responders and soldiers out there that help keep us safe.