At weddings the minister often urges guests to “speak now or forever hold your peace.” This is Michiana residents’ last chance to “speak” about who the unrecognized heroes are here in the community.

Leader Publications is wrapping up nominations for the Unsung Heroes section of our Horizons special publication that comes out on Feb. 26 and we don’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity.

Horizons — a 104-page community yearbook that is our shining achievement each year — showcases the great people, organizations and the other quality of life aspects that make southwest Michigan so special.

A new addition last year, the Unsung Heroes feature is exactly what the name implies: a way to recognize the men and women in our community who make our region a better place to live but don’t get the praise they deserve.

Rather than Leader staff choosing these individuals we want our readers to tell us about the men and women in their lives who are making a difference and maybe don’t get the recognition they should.

Do you know someone who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty? Do you know someone whose love and support has helped his or her family or community? Does a friend or neighbor standout from others while never seeking attention for themselves?

We received great nominations last year and have already received some very good ones for the 2015 edition. But there is always time and room to recognize more of the individuals who make our area so special.

Plus, 2015 will be unique in that, for the first time in years, the entire publication will have a theme, choosing to focus on the thread of “Heroes & Heritage” that binds us all together. We feel this makes the reader-submitted portion even more important.

It is easy to nominate someone. Just fill out the form you will find inside this publication or simply email me a brief write up that explains who the individual is and what they do to stand out. Mailed nominations can be sent to: “Unsung Heroes” c/o Leader Publications, 217 N. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120.

Although all submissions must include the name of the individual submitting the nomination, we will keep those anonymous if an individual chooses. The deadline for entries is Jan. 30.

Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. Often those most deserving get the least attention.

Let’s change that together, starting now.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.