A Community Appeal to Honor Veterans Buried at Evergreen Cemetery on December 19th
There are over 650 Veterans buried at Evergreen Cemetery, representing military service over several decades, from the Civil War to present. The women of Signal Hill, NSDAR, of Barrington, have been researching and verifying each interment since the beginning of May, and now, need your help, to honor each one with a live balsam wreath.
The Signal Hill Chapter has partnered with Wreaths Across America in 2020 to participate in the national Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Evergreen Cemetery, 610 Dundee Ave., in Barrington. The wreath laying memorial process will begin on the 19th at noon, rain/snow or shine, and will continue until each veteran has been honored. It is requested that arrivals be staggered between noon and 1 p.m. to assist in social distancing.
Due to this year's pandemic, civic programs for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and many other highly anticipated events were canceled. With so much sacrifice, loss, and disappointment in 2020, the Signal Hill Chapter is determined to conduct a community event that can offer satisfaction and a positive experience. Strategic planning for the December wreath event will require the same mask and social distancing guidelines for compliance with state and local requirements, and Signal Hill has been working to achieve a safe, solemn event.
On Dec. 19, in compliance with pandemic guidelines for gathering, Wreaths Across America Day at Evergreen will forego a live memorial ceremony wreath placement. Community volunteers will be assigned separate areas of the cemetery to provide distancing needed. All individuals who participate will be required to wear a mask, and staggered arrivals are encouraged.
Citizens, families and groups that are interested in sponsoring wreaths or participating in this event may visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ILEGCA.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is "Remember, Honor, Teach" and dovetails perfectly with the DAR mission of Historic Preservation, Patriotism and Education. The afternoon wreath-laying event provides citizen volunteers the opportunity to Remember veterans' service, Honor their sacrifice, and Teach children the value - and cost - of service to our country.
The memorial nature and timing of the event encourages family and community participation. If you are looking for a way to be part of a community event, please participate. Don't say "I should have," say "I did!"