Names of more World War II heroes added to memorial at veterans home

In late spring of 2012, a memorial on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna was dedicated.

The memorial honored nearly 40 men from Union County who died in service to the country during World War II.

Members of Anna’s Townsend F. Dodd Post No. 344 of the American Legion  have spearheaded the effort behind the creation of the memorial.

Much work went into finding the names of 38 men whose names originally were engraved on the memorial.

Now, the names of 35 more heroes have joined those of their comrades on the memorial.

Creation of the memorial has involved the efforts of many who supported the project.

The American Legion Post recently presented letters of appreciation to those who helped to create the memorial.

Those honored by the post include:

Phil Hileman, owner and operator of Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes.

Rhonda Webb, manager of J.W. Reynolds Monument Company in Vienna.

Todd Suhling of TLC Metals in Jonesboro.

The three persons helped with materials and work which went into creating and setting up the memorials.

The American Legion post also voiced appreciation to the Illinois Veterans Home, where the memorial stands, and Holcomb Welding in Anna for their support.

Ultimately, the goal of the memorial at the Illinois Veterans Home is to ensure that the community, and the nation, never forgets those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the nation’s freedom.