Barrington honors 55 Vietnam War veterans at Evergreen Cemetery

On Palm Sunday afternoon, the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, together with the Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores, American Legion Palatine Post 690, and local veterans, gathered at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington to honor all veterans — men and women — of the Vietnam War era. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Memorial Service took place at 1:30 p.m. on March 29.

The ceremony featured inspirational remarks from Todd Sholeen, village trustee, village of Barrington; Bill Bishop, president of the Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores; Jesse D. Rojo, chair of Illinois Veterans for Change, member of the Barrington American Legion and Barrington Area Veterans Fraternity group; and Mark Cramer, commander of American Legion Palatine Post 690. Opening remarks were delivered by Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR Regent Ruth Groth, while closing remarks were given by event chair Joyce Wright.

Veteran Mary Arvidson of the Eli Skinner Chapter, NSDAR, played taps at the end of the service. Both the United States and Vietnam Veteran flags were placed on the 55 graves of Vietnam Era veterans. Each veteran was individually honored with a reading of their biography, placing a flag while saying their name aloud, expressing gratitude for their service, sharing a moment of silence and delivering a salute in their memory.

During the event, Vietnam veterans in attendance were invited to participate in a pinning ceremony to recognize their service. A National Vietnam War Veterans Day Memorial Service will take place again next year at Evergreen Cemetery on March 29, 2027.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

DAR members promote historic preservation, education, patriotism and conservation via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

Since its founding in 1890 over one million women have joined NSDAR. Membership is open to any woman 18 and older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about the Barrington-based chapter, visit signalhilldar.com.