Memorial Day ceremony to salute ‘Lincoln’s Legacy’

ELWOOD — Hundreds of veterans who served in conflicts ranging from World War II through the current Iraqi War will be participating in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. in Elwood, near Joliet.

“Lincoln’s Legacy” is the theme of this year’s ceremony, which will feature aerial flyovers, musical performance and military re-enactments by Chicagoland veterans groups.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will host the 2009 VA Lincoln Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of America’s 16th president Abraham Lincoln. This exhibit will be on display from May 21 through May 27 at the public information center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Daniel W. Grant, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the keynote speaker.

Max and Donna Daniels, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln re-enactors, will be participating. There will be a wreath laying ceremony and echo taps performed, aerial flyovers, static displays, and local veterans groups.

The Joliet American Legion Band will play a musical prelude from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is located at 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States and founder of the National Cemetery System, is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Ill. For further information, call (815)423-9958.