Unmarked veterans graves to receive bronze headstones
The Libertyville-based Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR, is preparing to unveil Veteran Administration issued bronze headstones to mark three unmarked veterans' graves at Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth on Sept. 30.
The public is invited to attend. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Rest Cemetery, 42455 N. Hwy. 41, Wadsworth. Arrive no later than 10 a.m. and bring your own chair. Food and ice cream will be available for purchase.
The ABC Chapter has been working on this project since November 2022. These three veterans have no direct descendants. With the help of Veteran Service Officer Robert Gabriel, Post Commander of the Fox Lake American Legion Post 703, they were able to secure each of the veterans' discharge papers, (DD214) and filled out the required paperwork to submit to the V.A. for issuance of bronze markers.
Because of the generosity of Winthrop Harbor VFW Post 7448 and JX Enterprises Gives Back Program, these two organizations donated enough to cover the entire cost (including installation) for Bosman Monuments in Kenosha to mount the bronze markers to granite and place each one on a cement footing.
The Zion/Benton American Legion Post 865 has been instrumental in preparing for this program. Their post is providing the color guard, rifle team, buglers and their food trailer.
Each of the veterans will receive full and proper military honors.
The Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter thanks 1st Lieutenant Daniel J. Duncan, Battalion Chaplain, Wisconsin National Guard; The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Bagpipes and Drums; Zion Scout Troop 663 B&G; North Point Digital Productions LLC; Security Protection Enforcement; the Lake County Sheriff's Department; Newport Township Fire Department; and Newport Township Highway Department.
The Ansel Brainerd Chapter, NSDAR, is celebrating its 46th year. For more information, contact ildar.org/chapters/anselbrainerdcook or email ABC4DAR@gmail.com.