Donations are needed to honor veterans in Evergreen Cemetery

The members of Signal Hill, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution of Barrington are undertaking a fourth year of sponsorship of Wreaths Across America Day to honor veterans buried in Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 17.

National Wreaths Across America Day was begun to remember the fallen, honor their service, and teach children the cost of freedom.

Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, has been able to provide the wreaths through solicitation of group and individual sponsors. Unfortunately, several local area veterans' groups are no longer able to support this mission due to dwindling memberships.

Sadly, there are never fewer veterans to honor. More than 750 veterans' graves have now been identified at Evergreen, and while we are well on our way to providing wreaths for each grave that has been identified, we are reaching out to the general community to help reach this goal.

You may contribute to this remembrance by visiting www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ILEGCA for donation guidance.

Should you have a family member who is interred at Evergreen, you may make a designated grave contribution and may personally place your grave-specific wreath prior to the general distribution by citizen volunteers.

If you are unable to attend, a Signal Hill chapter member would be honored to place the wreath in your stead.

With your generosity, any donations exceeding this year's goal will carry over to 2023, so your gift will always benefit this annual remembrance at Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations are not required to participate in the laying of wreaths; if you wish to participate in the event, register at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ILEGCA.

A brief memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at Evergreen Cemetery, 610 S. Dundee Ave., in Barrington. Afterward, volunteers will be guided to place wreaths on those graves identified as veterans, ranging from the Civil War to present day service.

The event will be held rain, snow or shine, until all veterans have been honored. State and local COVID-19 protocols will be observed on that date, if necessary.

The Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, raises funds throughout the year and distributes to 501(c) (3) organizations, whose missions support DAR's mission of education, historic preservation, patriotism, conservation and Native American issues.

For information, visit signalhilldar.com.

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