On Saturday, December 18, 2021, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, (DAR) members of Carroll Jo Daviess Chapter 5015-IL, District II, helped place 201 wreaths at the graves of deceased military personnel who repose in Lusk Cemetery, Albany, IL. Death dates stretch at least back to 1834. The Chapter sponsored 20 wreaths (10%) that were distributed.
Six DAR women and five youth members of Children of the American Revolution (CAR) attended. Left-to-right are Stephanie Vavra; Bryn Callahan; Luanne Bruckner; front, Gwen Smith; back, Matthew Callahan; Bailey Callahan; Connie Foster; Lorena White; Barbara Burger; Shelby Williams; Emma Foster.
Morrison, IL, Bugler Carolyn Aiken is a DAR member of District II Rock River Chapter. This is her 54th year of providing music for military ceremonies and funerals.
An octet of wreaths honored United States military service branches: Air Force; Army; Coast Guard; Marine Corps; Merchant Marines; Navy; Space Force (signed into law December 20, 2019,); service members last designated as Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.
Morrison American Legion Post 328 provided the Color Guard and gave the Rifle Salute. Aiken is at far left. Legionnaires, left-to-right, are Jeff Steele; Phil Schroeder; Terry Jones; Ken Petersen; Larry Zuidema; Robert Brands; James Prombo; Garry Seaman; Larry Saling; Jerry Brearton.
National Wreaths Across America Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery and across the United States. The organization’s mission is Remember, Honor, Teach.
Lusk Cemetery is an official (WAA) location, joining more than 2500 other locations. Pastor Toni Lucas organizes such ceremonies. Contact her about the December 2022 ceremony at 270-703-9799.