Libertyville’s DAR Chapter honors three veterans in previously unmarked graves at Historic Mount Rest Cemetery
A bright, sunny Saturday at the end of September 2023 played witness to approximately 300 people gathered to honor three veterans buried at Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth. Members of the Libertyville-based Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, members from around the state, several veterans’ organizations, local officials, businesses, and supportive members of the community at large paid tribute to World War II veterans Hewitt P. Shelby and John Marko and Korean War veteran Delbert L. Damron who each received full military honors.
The local officials in attendance included:
• Rogelio Villa, veterans caseworker and outreach coordinator at the office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
• Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Senator representing the 30th District.
• Anthony Vega, Lake County Clerk
• Donna Johnson, mayor of Libertyville
Michelle Wilson, Regent of the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR, shared with attendees, “While Senator Duckworth was not able to join us today, she sent her greetings in a letter I would like to share with you now:”
September 30, 2023
Dear Friends:
I am deeply honored to receive the invitation to recognize the extraordinary service of Hewitt P. Shelby, John Marko, and Delbert L. Damron, three remarkable veterans who dedicated their lives to defending our nation. Although I am unable to attend the event, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the sacrifices of these veterans who selflessly served our country.
Their dedication to duty and their willingness to put their lives on the line in defense of our liberties deserve our highest recognition. We are all deeply indebted to those who have honorably served our country and defended the rights and freedoms we all enjoy as Americans.
Thank you so much to the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for bringing attention to the unmarked graves of our nations’ heroes and commemorating their service.
Sincerely,
Tammy Duckworth, United State Senator
Pam Holmes, a member of Libertyville’s DAR chapter and board member on the Mount Rest Cemetery Association said, “We unveiled three previously unmarked veterans’ graves today, one of these veterans waited 51 years to get the honor and recognition that they so deserved.”
Zion/Benton American Legion Post 865 provided the rifle team, buglers and food trailer. At each of the three graves, 1st Lt. Daniel Duncan, Battalion Chaplain, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, read their service records and offered words of remembrance and comfort.
The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 provided the Color Guard which processed to all three graves. Zion Scout Troop 663, B&G, guided attendees through the cemetery and supported crowd control efforts. The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard Pipes and Drums played the Army Caisson song at each grave and during the processions between sites.
“This was the first time the group was asked to participate in a military event. They were so honored to be included,” Holmes said.
The day also highlighted the unveiling of the Veteran/DAR Memorial Brick Garden. This brick garden honors each of the 69 veterans laid to rest at Mount Rest Cemetery. Their names, military affiliation and specific conflict are engraved on individual bricks in the area under the flagpole. The DAR side has the names of the deceased members of the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter.
“We are establishing a new tradition here. A new brick will be added to the memorial space every time a veteran is laid to rest at the cemetery, and any time a fellow Daughter passes,” said Diane Eubanks, current registrar and Honorary Regent for the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter. “We will keep their memories alive and celebrate all they’ve contributed to our country and our chapter.”
The DAR chapter shared that there will be a dedication in September 2024, for Samuel E. Ames, a Civil War veteran who, until last month, was buried in an unmarked grave at the cemetery. The addition of the four headstones at Mount Rest Cemetery means all 69 veterans laid to rest there have the honor they deserve.
“No veteran should lay in an unmarked grave,” Holmes said. “We hope all DAR chapters around the country can take note of our part in bringing all these groups together to make the grave markings a reality.”