Mound City National Cemetery has 9,000 graves and participates in Wreaths Across America. Every Christmas season, all of the wreaths donated in remembrance of the veterans are placed on tombstones. In 2016, the cemetery received only 1,000 wreaths, but 2017 was a banner year. The cemetery received 2,697 wreaths, and hopes are up that the number will jump that much again this year.
The Michael Hillegas Chapter purchased two wreaths to be placed on graves. We were unable to attend because it conflicted with our December meeting. Hopefully, we will make it this year.
If you know that you have a relative buried there, please let us know and we will try to get a picture of it with the wreath on it this year. Also, think about donating a wreath this fall! Many of the donations receive matching funds, so your donation means even more.
Illinois Bicentennial
Since Illinois has now begun its bicentennial, I thought I would share with you what little I found when I checked out Illinois in 1818.
• Dec. 3: Illinois admitted as 21st state.
• Dec. 25: First U.S. performance of Handel's "Messiah," Boston.
• The President of the United States was James Monroe and the Vice President was Daniel D. Tomkins.
Saline County has already conducted a few events. Bicentennial flags have begun flying at Harrisburg City Hall, Eldorado City Hall and Saline County Courthouse. Saline County Pioneer Village and Museum also hosted its annual tree-lighting event. The Michael Hillegas Daughters participated or attended each of these events.
Correction
In the article on the front page of the November issue of the paper, June Vagampler and Myra Mauter also should have been listed as Michael Hillegas Daughters of the American Revolution.
Contact us
The Michael Hillegas Daughters wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. For information about joining our organization, we encourage you to contact Michael Hillegas DAR Chapter Regent Janice Hall at (618) 313-0068 for more information.
