'Every stone here is a story': Fallen veterans honored at Camp Butler during Memorial Day ceremony
Share this @internewscast.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — People from various backgrounds gathered at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Sangamon County to witness the wreath-laying ceremony honoring military members who sacrificed their lives.

More than 20,000 veterans from the Civil War to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and their family members are buried at Camp Butler.

U.S. Representatives Mary Miller and Nikki Budzinski were the honored speakers at the event. They paid homage to the over 60,000 Illinois citizens who have perished while defending the country since the Civil War.

“May we never forget that freedom is never free,” Miller said. “And may we live our lives in a way that honors the sacrifice that has been given.”

Budzinski spoke about how the day is special to her, as she’s the granddaughter of two World War II veterans.

“Coming from a family with a history of service instills in me a deep appreciation and sense of gratitude for veterans,” she said. “Their service ensures the protection of the freedoms and liberties we cherish daily in this nation.”

Cemetery director Jimmy Allen said the focus of the day should be to remember more than the names.

“It’s so much more than a cemetery with headstones,” the director said. “It’s a tapestry of time within our nation and all our different turning points and conflicts.”

He challenged attendees to reflect on their connections to fallen veterans.

“Because remembrance is not passive, it is something we choose,” Allen said at the ceremony. “And in choosing to remember, we carry these stories forward.”

Camp Butler officials encourage everyone to learn more about veterans buried in national cemeteries using the Veterans Legacy Memorial.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

AI-Driven Hotel Welcomes World Leaders and Dignitaries for Inaugural Event

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Southern Nevada’s first AI-powered hotel made headlines Thursday,…

Trump Proposes 35% Tariff on Canada

President Trump announced Thursday his administration would impose a 35 percent tariff…

Polk County Gamers Condemn ‘Swatting’ Incidents: ‘It’s Completely Unnecessary’

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A video game is leading to real-world…

Lithuanian President Pays Tribute to Four Fallen Fort Stewart Soldiers

FORT STEWART, Ga. () — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has posthumously bestowed…

FDA Grants Full Approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Children

(NewsNation) — Moderna announces it has received full approval from the U.S.…

Dolton Acquires Childhood Residence of Pope Leo XIV

DOLTON, Ill. (WGN) – Dolton has closed on the purchase of Pope…

Senators Face Funding Hurdle for Relocating Trump FBI Headquarters

The Senate Appropriations Committee sputtered Thursday as its consideration of the annual…

Search for Travis Decker Reaches Standstill After Alleged “Sighting”

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities are investigating a reported sighting of Travis Decker in…

Florida Lawmakers Sue for Access to Restricted Alligator Alcatraz Facility

In Tampa, Florida, a group of five Democratic legislators has initiated legal…

“Hero Rescues Abandoned 7-Month-Old Girl Following Little Italy Carjacking”

CHICAGO (WGN) — Last Thursday, Earl Abernathy was stuck in traffic on…

Iranian Enriched Uranium withstood U.S. Airstrikes, claims an Israeli Official

WASHINGTON — Israel believes at least some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium…

“New Documentary Explores Why Four College Students Were Targeted in Idaho Murders”

() A surprise guilty plea prevented the public from learning more about…