GENERAL INFORMATION

On Oct. 3, 1999, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery was dedicated as the 117th national cemetery within the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

When fully developed, this 982-acre cemetery will provide 400,000 burial spaces.

Initial construction developed approximately 150 acres including 25,000 gravesites and 2,000 lawn crypts for casketed remains, 3,000 columbaria niches and 2,300 garden niches for cremated remains; a public information center; three committal service shelters; a memorial walkway; and a carillon and Kiosk grave locator.

Military Funeral Honors
On Aug. 26, 2003 the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery inaugurated an all-volunteer Memorial Squad to assist in military honors. When possible, the melodic sound of live Taps can be heard echoing throughout the serene cemetery grounds, otherwise, electronic Taps are available at three committal shelters. The DOD program, "Honoring Those Who Served," calls for funeral directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran's family. When requested, a detail consisting of at least two uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's branch of service provide folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and can also play Taps, either by a high-quality recording or a bugler.
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery lies in the northwestern area of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, approximately 50 miles south of Chicago. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is named after the 16th president of the United States and founder of the national cemetery system. Early in the Civil War, on July 17, 1862 President Lincoln's signature enacted the law authorizing the establishment of national cemeteries "... for the soldiers who die in the service of the country." The first 14 national cemeteries opened pursuant of this legislation.

President Lincoln's legacy is especially important to the people of Illinois, where he lived, worked in a successful law practice and was elected State Assemblyman and Representative during the 13th Congress. Lincoln himself is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery near the state capital in Springfield.

Monument and Memorials
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery has a memorial walkway lined with a variety of memorials that honor America’s veterans from various organizations. As of 2003, there were 17 memorials at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery—most commemorating soldiers of 20th century wars.

An 18-foot granite obelisk crowned by a bronze eagle with outstretched wings commemorates the 2,403 Americans who died in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. It was donated by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and dedicated May 12, 2001.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker was donated by the District VIII Garden Club of Illinois and dedicated on September 15, 2000. The marker is a tribute to American men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve their country. Its symbolism dates to World War II when families of servicemen and women displayed a square flag decorated with a blue star in their windows to signify that a loved one was in the armed forces.
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NOTABLE BURIALS

Medal of Honor Recipients
First Sergeant Theodore Hyatt, (Civil War), Company D, 127th Illinois Infantry, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps. Battle of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. (Section 1, Grave 1613)
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FLORAL/GROUNDS REGULATIONS

Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.

Three floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.

Artificial flowers may be placed on graves only during the period of Oct. 1 through April 1. Potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.

Christmas wreaths or grave blankets may be placed on gravesites beginning Dec. 1 and will be removed along with all other grave decorations starting Jan. 20.

Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects and similar items are not permitted on the graves. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments that are considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury.

Permanent items removed from graves will be placed in an inconspicuous holding area for one month prior to disposal. If not retrieved by donor, they are then governed by the rules for disposal of federal property.

All items placed on gravesites become the property of the United States Government.

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is not responsible for flowers placed on gravesites and cannot replace items that have been damaged, lost, or stolen.
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