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Nation’s Second-Largest Cemetery is Site of Memorable Veterans Day Ceremony
November 13th, 2009
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 on Flowers for Heroes and the Veterans Day ceremony, please visit www.FlowersforHeroes.org.
The Flowers for Heroes non-profit organization was created in an effort to honor those who died protecting our freedom as Americans and support their families as they struggle with their loss. We recognize that Gold Star families need our support and developed a rewarding way to raise funds in order to provide that assistance.
