Both events are free and the public is invited to attend.
DAR ceremony celebrates fifth year
The DAR will conduct a 20-minute ceremony at the Springfield Burying Ground honoring all American military service branches in front of the statue at the cemetery’s center and conclude with the traditional playing of “Taps.”
Sonya Ryhal of the Lagonda Chapter said her organization has experienced frigid temperatures, strong winds and rain that has bled the ink on the ceremony script. But the discomfort is minor compared to what those being honored sacrificed for the country.
“The older you get, the more patriotic you feel and we’re thankful we’re in a free country. I’ve seen grown men cry here,” she said.
The Springfield Burying Ground underwent an extensive renovation project and reopened in 2023. It contains the graves of at least eight verified veterans of the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812 and a young man who was at the Boston Tea Party, with a brochure at the gate listing points of interest.
“We’re very proud of the Burying Ground and of our ceremony. Our history is important in this country and our veterans’ roles in it are as well.”
Effort expands beyond Saint Bernard
In 2021, Betsy Van Hoose fulfilled a longtime goal to become involved with Wreaths Across America and started her effort at Saint Bernard Cemetery. She’s since added Newcomers Cemetery in Springfield and is working with Oak Dale Cemetery in Urbana.
After Saturday, there will have been 3,352 wreaths laid on interred veterans’ graves among the three sites, according to Van Hoose.
“We’ve found what works and will continue to get better,” she said.
Saturday’s ceremony will begin in the Saint Bernard chapel to honor each military branch, accompanied by bagpipe music and include participation from Springfield’s Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 620 and a Marine Corps Honor Guard. Then around 75-100 volunteers will place the wreaths on identified veterans’ graves.
“The greatest thing is regardless of the weather, people still show up in the cold and rain to show support,” said Van Hoose.
She said any families of deceased veterans who’d like their loved ones honored by a wreath in the future may contact her at eeaton@woh.rr.com.
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