'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

Actor Julian McMahon passes away following a private struggle with cancer.

Julian McMahon, an actor best known for his performances in FBI: Most…

DUI Arrest and Two Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash in Savoy

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — On the Fourth of July, a driver was…

Eight Men Deported to South Sudan by US After Lengthy Legal Disputes

WASHINGTON (AP) — In May, eight men were deported from the United…

Six Fire Departments from Logan County Respond to Lincoln House and Garage Fire

LINCOLN, Ill. (WCIA) — Late Friday night, six fire agencies from Logan…

Champaign Library Holds Discussion on Reducing Youth Violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In Champaign, the community came together Thursday night…

Dog Rescued from Eaton Fire Gets a New Home

When firefighters battled the flames of the Eaton Fire earlier this year,…

How Weather Contributed to the Devastating Flash Floods in Texas

WASHINGTON – The air was saturated with moisture, which powered a slow-moving…

Storm Team 3: Monitoring Chantal & Local Effects Expected

Passing showers will continue tonight into Sunday. Winds will remain breezy, but…

Iran’s Supreme Leader Breaks Silence with First Public Appearance Since Start of Iran-Israel Conflict

TEHRAN – On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his…

Mahomet-Seymour’s Campion Concludes SEC Throwing Career

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — When Costen Campion arrived in Oxford, Mississippi, his…

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Group, the ‘America Party’

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed the “America…

Marion Caregiver Found Guilty of Fraud and Identity Theft Against Disabled Adult

SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A woman from Marion has been found…