Civil War Enthusiast? Attend Palatine GAR Dedication Ceremony

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was an organization founded by Civil War Veterans. The group supported their fellow soldiers through pension reform efforts, the founding of soldier’s homes and the provision of burial plots for Veterans who had no one, or could not afford the cost of burial.

On Sunday, August 16, 2015, The GAR will be honored through a dedication ceremony at Hillside Cemetery in Palatine, where one such plot exists - where Civil War soldiers from Palatine and the surrounding areas area laid to rest. A bench purchase by the Palatine Historical Society, and a plaque commissioned by Palatine Township mark the burial plot where the ceremony will take place.

Taylor’s Battery Civil War re-enactors, a historic canon firing, 21-gun salute completed by members of the American Legion Post 690, and short speeches from local dignitaries will all be a part of the ceremony, which will conclude with a bugler playing taps.

An American flag that was flown over the nation’s capitol will be raffled off to a lucky attendee.

Admission is free, and those who plan to attend are asked to enter through the Smith Street entrance of Hillside Cemetery, north of Colfax Street. The GAR Dedication Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 16.

For more information, please visit www.PalatineTownship.com.