Photo Monument – May 21, 2009

Illinois War Memorials at Oak Ridge Cemetery
by Julie Cahill Tarr

With Memorial Day (U.S.) right around the corner, I thought I’d highlight the Illinois war memorials located at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.

World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial

The World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial was dedicated on 4 December 2004 as a memorial for Illinois’ 987,000 veterans. The memorial consists of two granite walls upon which the battles of the Pacific and European theaters are listed chronologically. The centerpiece is a 12-foot, 22-ton globe with buttons affixed to represent each battle (the number on the button corresponds to the number on the wall, listed below the battle). There is also a “courtyard,” which contains commemorative bricks.

Illinois Korean War Memorial

Dedicated on 16 June 1996, the Illinois Korean War Memorial contains the names of over 1,700 Illinois veterans who died. The base of the monument is eight-sided and made of granite, while the centerpiece depicts four soldiers around a twelve-foot bronze bell. The four soldiers represent the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines).

There are two stones at the end of one of the pathways that lead to the monument. Inscribed on the left stone is a poem, written by Glen Genseal, a Korean War veteran. The stone on the right contains the statistics for the U.S. and Illinois, as well as the Illinois Medal of Honor recipients.

Illinois Vietnam War Memorial

The Illinois Vietnam War Memorial, which was dedicated in May 1988, contains the names of 2,970 Illinois soldiers who either died or were missing. The names are inscribed upon five granite walls that circle an eternal flame. Each of the black granite walls represent one branch of the U.S. military; the branch’s insignia is etched into the inner gray granite wall. Boots line the walkway upon which flags are placed on either side.

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Sources

“Illinois Korean War Memorial.” Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. http://www.veterans.illinois.gov/memorials/korean.htm: accessed 13 May 2009.

“Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial.” Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. http://www.veterans.illinois.gov/memorials/vietnam.htm: accessed 13 May 2009.

Mitchell, Melissa. “Memorial to World War II Veterans to be Dedicated Dec. 4 in Springfield, Illinois".” 24 November 2004. Reprint, News Bureau. http://news.illinois.edu/NEWS/04/1124memorial.html: accessed 13 May 2009.

All photos were taken by the author on 2 May 2009.