The Naperville Honor Guard, led by Commander Jim Oftedal, performed two rifle salutes with taps played at each gravesite in Naperville Cemetery. (Photo by James Hoch Photography)
The graves of two Veterans in the Naperville Cemetery were rededicated on July 26 by Fort Payne Chapter NSDAR, the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli and the Naperville Honor Guard.
Thanks to a $2,500 SECA (Special Events Community Arts) grant paired with a generous monetary gift from Fort Payne NSDAR member and Veteran Brenda Ajster, the gravestones of Pvt. William Barber, Black Hawk War veteran, and Sgt. George E. Hall, Civil War veteran, were replaced.
Fort Payne Regent Karen Hartsfield told the audience that Pvt. Barber was among 70 soldiers who died between April and August of 1832. Few specifics are available on this Veteran. He may have been among the 12 militiamen killed during a panicked retreat at the Battle of Stillman’s Run in Illinois.
The second stone dedicated is that of Sgt. George E. Hall, born in England in 1839 and enlisted in Company D, 156th Illinois Infantry. While he survived the war, he was 40 years old when he died in 1879.
Mayor Wehrli commended the organizations responsible for the replacements.
“I’ve had the opportunity to attend many ceremonies that honor the brave men and women who have served our country,” said the Mayor. “Each one is powerful in its own way, but today’s dedication stands out. Because today is not just about remembrance. It’s about restoration. It’s about ensuring that the names and the legacies of those who served – long before our time – are never lost to time.”
VFW Post Commander Staci Boyer shared how these were two of five restorations undertaken by the Post.
Mayor Wehrli added, “You remain one of the most respected and active posts in the nation, and we are fortunate to have you here, caring for and uplifting our local Veterans with such compassion and strength.”
DAR wreaths were placed at each grave, Regent Hartsfield led the group in prayer and the Naperville Honor Guard, led by Commander Jim Oftedal, performed two rifle salutes.
Taps was played at each gravesite.
Story submitted by Sue Johnpeter for Fort Payne NSDAR.
Click here for video of Taps and photos by James Hoch Photography.
