On Saturday, May 20, 2023, American Legion Post 328 and many volunteers installed American flags on the graves of veterans who lie at rest in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL. They assembled at 7:45; the farthest-out team completed their mission at 10:15. Jerry Brearton took this photo of 40+ volunteers, before they divided into teams with a leader and specified cemetery section.
Well-prepared, orderly lists and a map of veteran graves were useful. It helped, also, to scan the space for empty flag holders. The assignment included straightening poles, replacing damaged ones, or inserting new ones. Team members carried “spearhead’ flag poles and “U S Veteran” medallions. Those discs are planted beside a veteran’s grave stone. A handful of graves were new and needed both items installed. Newly deceased names were noted on the master list. Morrison High School American Government Teacher Brian Bartoz submitted the next two photos.
AMERICAN LEGION members:
Bill Brackemyer
Jack Brearton
Jerry Brearton
Terry Jones
Barry Linder
Ken Petersen
Vern Schroeder
Mark Steele
Korey Zigler.
LEGION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Shelby Veltrop.
CIVIL AIR PATROL: Rick Smith.
SCOUTS BSA and GIRL SCOUTS of THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA (adults and youths):
Eric Anderson
Linda Lee Anderson
Elliott Armstrong
Oliver Armstrong
Jemma Baldwin
Jessica Baldwin
Xavier Baldwin
Ashley Belha
Bob Belha
Tom Belha
Anna Blevins
Hillary Blevins
Isaac Blevins
Marshall Blevins
Calem Bramm
Jim Bramm
Adam Cossman
Christoper Cossman
Chelsey Cummings
Karen Icenogle
Noah Icenogle
Cheyenne Murillo
Ivern Murillo
Lillian Richards
Ethan Richards
Reagan Terry
August Ufkin
Stephanie Vavra
Alexander Westin.
Bartoz submitted the next two photos of student volunteers. Danielle Fulton found her great-grandfather’s burial site.
SVCC IMPACT PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS: Anna Blevins (not shown), left-to-right, Shelby Veltrop, Amaiyuki Perez, and Jeramiah Callam.
Morrison Fire Department planted 60 scarlet and gold flags that morning, honoring veterans. They will remain in place all summer. Flag Chairman Brian Johnson said three others are buried elsewhere.
