Four new grave markers for Union Army veterans of the U. S. Civil War were recently installed at Mount Greenwood Cemetery, 2900 W. 111th St., bringing the number of Civil War markers at the cemetery to over 100. The markers were obtained through the cemetery’s Operation Remembrance initiative, started in 2007 to identify and mark graves of veterans of U.S. military service.
The Civil War veterans were identified through the research efforts of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), the fraternal organization for male descendants of members of the Union forces.
The markers were supplied by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran buried in any cemetery around the world. Family members, or other representatives of the veteran including cemetery officials from the burial location, may apply for the marker.
Paula Everett, president of Mount Greenwood Cemetery Association, said Operation Remembrance was begun “to honor and acknowledge the veterans who have served our country by making sure these forgotten heroes had their graves marked so they could be recognized by future generations.”
It is estimated that there are more than 350 Civil War veterans buried in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, many in unmarked graves. Their service records often were not indicated on their burial records. SUVCW and Mount Greenwood Cemetery have worked together for several years to identify the veterans and obtain markers for their graves. In July, SUVCW researcher David Bailey contacted the cemetery with newly identified veterans, leading to the four new markers. Bailey commended Mount Greenwood Cemetery for its efforts.
“Statues of generals are often displayed, but individual soldiers are also important. Mount Greenwood Cemetery has worked for years to recognize the veterans buried there,” said Bailey.
