Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

At Lincoln Funeral Care it is our wish that veterans and their spouses strongly consider using Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. All veterans and their spouses are entitled to two (2) free graves, 2 concrete grave liners (vaults), perpetual care, and a solid granite double upright grave marker. There are never charges to dig graves at a bona - fide National Cemetery. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is growing a rich history. It is conveniently located just south of Joliet near Elwood, Illinois.

On Oct. 3, 1999, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery was dedicated as the 117th national cemetery within the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

When fully developed, this 982-acre cemetery will provide 400,000 burial spaces.

Initial construction developed approximately 150 acres including 25,000 gravesites and 2,000 lawn crypts for casketed remains, 3,000 columbaria niches and 2,300 garden niches for cremated remains; a public information center; three committal service shelters; a memorial walkway; and a carillon and Kiosk grave locator.

Military Funeral Honors

The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery lies in the northwestern area of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, approximately 50 miles south of Chicago. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is named after the 16th president of the United States and founder of the national cemetery system. Early in the Civil War, on July 17, 1862 President Lincoln's signature enacted the law authorizing the establishment of national cemeteries "... for the soldiers who die in the service of the country." The first 14 national cemeteries opened pursuant of this legislation.

President Lincoln's legacy is especially important to the people of Illinois, where he lived, worked in a successful law practice and was elected State Assemblyman and Representative during the 13th Congress. Lincoln himself is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery near the state capital in Springfield

Monument and Memorials

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery has a memorial walkway lined with a variety of memorials that honor America's veterans from various organizations. As of 2003, there were 17 memorials at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery-most commemorating soldiers of 20th century wars.

An 18-foot granite obelisk crowned by a bronze eagle with outstretched wings commemorates the 2,403 Americans who died in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. It was donated by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and dedicated May 12, 2001.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker was donated by the District VIII Garden Club of Illinois and dedicated on September 15, 2000. The marker is a tribute to American men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve their country. Its symbolism dates to World War II when families of servicemen and women displayed a square flag decorated with a blue star in their windows to signify that a loved one was in the armed forces.

Medal of Honor Recipients Buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

• First Sergeant Theodore Hyatt, (Civil War), Company D, 127th Illinois Infantry, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps. Battle of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. (Section 1, Grave 1613)