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5th Annual Tour of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Sponsored by Glueckert Family on September 9, 2015

On Sept. 9, Veterans, Family members, and friends, including special guest Kare-9 Service Dog "Susie", joined us for our 5th annual bus coach tour of Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. The annual day trip is sponsored by the Glueckert Family of Glueckert Funeral Home in Arlington Heights. With their service, Veterans earn burial services and benefits at a National Cemetery for themselves and their spouse. Many Veterans are unaware of this very important and valuable earned benefit.

The trip began with a brief presentation from John Glueckert, Jr. explaining the benefits Veterans are eligible for and the importance of having a copy of Veteran's Discharge papers- DD-214 always accessible. He also explained how to apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate, how to be included in the Illinois History Project and the burial cost savings available to Veterans when their burial takes place in a National Cemetery. Vietnam Veterans who joined us for the tour were presented their 50 year pin for their service.

Service Dog Susie, accompanied by her handler, Brad Schroeder was a popular fellow passenger on the motor coach. Jim Morrison of Lutheran Church Charities Kare-9 Military Comfort Dogs shared information about their group's mission and how the Kare-9 unit responds to emergency and disaster situations on very short notice to help comfort those in need. Susie provided a lot of comfort and smiles on the ride.

Lynne Phelan met our group at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and provided our tour. She provided a history of the 1000 acre cemetery, explained how National Shrine standards are followed for every service. She shared that 15-28 casketed or Colombarium (cremated remains) burials occur each day. Honorably Discharged Veterans have the option of receiving Military Honors from their branch of the service or the Volunteer Honor Squad. She explained the details of the "Wreaths Across America" program and how to donate a wreath to be placed on a grave at Christmas time. Last year, more than 6000 graves were adorned with wreaths. More information on this program is available at www.wreathsacrossamerica.com. The tour continued to sites including; gravesites, committal shelters, Colombaria, and the beautifully manicured Memorial Walk. Guests were then invited to visit graves of family members and friends. On the return trip, the Glueckert Family provided a box lunch and families watched "America's Greatest Battles" on digital screens in the motor coach.

Many of the guests represent other social and service groups and were offered an opportunity to share upcoming events:

The Arlington Heights American Legion will host an event at Manzo's Restaurant on October 2, 2015 to raise money and collect toys for "Toys for Tots" The cost is $30.

Arlington Heights Rotary Club is hosting Oktoberfest on October 4th at the American Legion Hall, 121 N. Douglas St., Arlington Heights, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Purple Heart License Plates may be issued to any Illinois resident who has been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. A surviving spouse is also eligible. More information is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com

"Each year that we have the privilege to honor these men and women and offer them more information about the benefits they have earned means a lot to our family. Our dad is an Army Veteran. He instilled in all of us how important it is for us to serve those who have served all of us so honorably and unselfishly" said Jackie Glueckert, coordinator of the annual tour. She added, "For John, Marcie and me to be a part of serving the Veterans in our community is an honor for us. The Glueckert Family and our staff thank all of those who joined us this year and over the past 5 years on this tour. It's a really special day for all of us. Time to start planning for our 6th tour next year".

About Glueckert Funeral Home, Glueckert Funeral Home has served Arlington Heights and the northwest suburban Chicago communities since 1970. In their second generation of family ownership and operation, the funeral home offers a full range of funeral, cremation and memorial services. We maintain 4 spacious memorial chapels, 2 comfortable lounges and abundant parking. For information about pre-planning, imminent need or immediate need, contact us at 847-253-0168, or www.glueckertfuneralhome.com

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