News

A final salute for unaccompanied veterans at Camp Butler Cemetery

A final salute for unaccompanied veterans at Camp Butler Cemetery

A service for unaccompanied and unclaimed veterans, Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield IL, Oct. 7, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Dahl


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Camp Butler National Cemetery Wednesday hosted a service for 22 unaccompanied and four unclaimed veterans. The unaccompanied have already been buried but had no loved ones on hand. The unclaimed had no known loved ones, period. The service assures that all receive full military honors.

“Each veteran has a story worth telling and a life worth remembering,” said the cemetery’s director, Christopher Webster. “Some stories are well known. Others may not have been written down. But a lack of witness does not make their service less meaningful.

“Their circumstances were different, but their service was not. Each one answered the call of our nation. Each one raised their hand and took an oath to defend our country. Each one became part of something larger than themselves. And today we made certain that each of them received the recognition and respect they deserved.”

The service is conducted twice a year.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Entertainment, Fall Guide, Holiday Guide, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Springfield events in November include holiday markets, circus and Route 66 centennial celebration

Springfield residents will have several events to look forward to in November, including holiday shopping, family entertainment and a celebration marking 100 years of Route 66.

3 days ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

3 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.