Nation’s Second-Largest Veteran Cemetery is Site of Memorable Veterans Day Ceremony
November 13, 2009 by Russ Phillip · Leave a Comment
Elwood, Ill., November 11th – There is nothing more important in our country than taking the time to recognize the men and women who have bravely given their lives in order to serve our country. Veterans Day, an annual holiday which is generally observed on November 11th, exemplifies the previous statement. Not only was Wednesday was a special day and a great opportunity for the United States to show their support and remembrance for the soldiers who have given their lives, but it was also a chance to honor the families of those fallen soldiers.
What began as a special morning eventually led to a very memorable Wednesday afternoon as a Veterans Day ceremony was held at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery by the Flowers for Heroes organization, a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor all of America’s fallen soldiers at veteran cemeteries and to assist America’s Gold Star families – those families who have had father, mother, son, or daughter killed while serving in our nation’s Armed Forces. Flowers for Heroes hosted the event, but were also assisted by the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run and other community organizations and families, who each helped in contributing.
Wednesday’s ceremony provided the opportunity to pay tribute to the members and their families laid to rest at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – the second largest cemetery in the nation in acreage and also the home to more than 20,000 American heroes. Along with these intriguing facts, the cemetery is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
The ceremony attracted thousands of supporters who made their way around the cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers by placing a bouquet of flowers upon each tombstone. The later portion of the ceremony featured numerous special guests, many of whom spoke before an emotional, teary-eyed crowd. Some of these special guests included Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Miss Illinois, live music from Joe Cantafio and other Military officials. The ceremony also featured a fly-over, taking place in the midst of our nation’s National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
For additional information about the Flowers for Heroes organization, upcoming events, or ways to become involved, contact Jerry Cizek at (877) 923-2769 or visit www.flowersforheroes.org.
About Flowers for Heroes
Flowers for Heroes is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our fallen soldiers and providing assistance to the families left behind. Through various fund-raising events, donations, and sponsors; Flowers for Heroes will be able to place bouquets of flowers on every grave of every soldier at various military cemeteries around the world.
Proceeds are presented to selected foundations that support our nation’s GOLD STAR FAMILIES. These families have given the ultimate sacrifice: a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a grandfather, a grandmother. These are the families that have received the GOLD STAR.
Contact:
Jerry Cizek, Director of Operations
Flowers for Heroes
(877) 923-2769
