Editor’s note: This feature by blogger John Purvis was posted Sunday, November 5, 2017. Click here to read Purvis’s posts: https://offthebeatenpathinillinois.blogspot.com/. The photos were taken by Purvis.
On a recent trip out Lil’ Nick, Tom Anderson, and I met Stephanie Vavra at the Morrison[, IL,] cemetery. Ms. Vavra was there to document the placement of the last of 14 stones commemorating the service of the local boys, who had paid the ultimate price in the wars and conflicts that our Nation has seen since its inception.
Not just the World Wars either, or the more recent conflicts of the Gulf and of Iraq and Afghanistan. Also included are casualties from the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, the Civil War, and even the Blackhawk Wars. The War of 1812 is represented, as is the Seminole Indian War, and the Mexican Civil War. In all, 520 names are inscribed in the black marble as a testimony for their service.
To quote from Ms. Vavra’s article, “The bulk [of the new names covering three tablets] are Illinois National guard members based in Morrison. They called themselves the Morrison Rifles. They were sworn in September 11,1878, and reorganized to become Company I, 6th Illinois infantry in 1882. From April 21 to May 5, 1886, they were called to the Martin Iron factory in East St. Louis[, IL, to quell] a Union strike. In 1897 they were sent to handle the Chicago[, IL,] riots [over workers’ rights.] They served in the Spanish-American war [1898], and some served in WWI. Later the name changed to Company C, 14th Battalion. In the 1930’s it became Company M. The Rifles served in WWII and the Korean Conflict.”
It was an honor and a privilege to be there when the last stones were put in place. If you ever find yourself in Morrison, be sure to stop off at the cemetery….You’ll find not only the memorial stones, but also a nice selection of turn-of-the-century grave stones, many unique and one-of-a-kind.
I’d like to extend my personal thanks to Stephanie Vavra for graciously giving me permission to use some of her material for today’s posting. For the full gist of her article visit her online newspaper www.thecity1.com or click on this link: http://www.thecity1.com/features/all-current-year-articles/205-other/14846-tablets-installed-at-veterans-park-memorial.html.