Grandfather remembered in for sacrifices he made during World War II

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - Dozens of people gathered Monday for a ceremony at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington.

Two families were honored, each received a flag. Their loved ones never had military rights when they died.

Amy Witzig received a flag on behalf of her grandfather, an Army veteran from World War II.

“I’m the only grandchild that got to know my grandfather, so it’s very special to me,” said Witzig.

“Just like they said in the ceremony, not to celebrate their passing, but to celebrate their life. And this is what I can pass on to my cousins and my children,” she said.

The Communal Military Rites Ceremony at Evergreen was presented by American Legion Honor Guard Post 635 from Normal and Post 56 from Bloomington.

Also, at the cemetery, the public is invited to visit The Avenue of Flags. Evergreen’s winding roads are lined with more than 260 flag poles with veterans’ names on them.

“As you drive through, say their names out loud so that they will not be forgotten,” the cemetery’s website says.

The Avenue of Flags opened Friday and will continue until Sunday, June 18.

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