The Illinois Department of Natural Resources hosted the annual Christmas Remembrance Ceremony for Illinois soldiers listed as prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA) during the Vietnam War on Saturday, December 2, at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
Family and friends of soldiers had the opportunity to hang handmade, heart-shaped ornaments with the names of loved ones on a tree near the memorial. The Black Tiger Honor Guard served as the color guard. The names of the POW/MIA soldiers were read aloud, by Mayor Misty Buscher and the ceremony also included music courtesy of the Land of Lincoln Chorus.