CLARK Co., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — It’s been over 150 years since the end of the Civil War, but the history from that crucial time in our country’s history is still kept alive in the Wabash Valley.
The Illiana Civil War Historical Society gathered at Marshall City Cemetery Saturday to make sure two Civil War veterans from illinois would never be forgotten.
“Today’s program was to honor two members of the 79th Illinois F Company. One was Thomas Handy, who was a captain and his son charles who was a sargeant in the regiment,” said Mike Wilson of the Illiana Civil War Historical Society.
The ceremony dedicated the restoration of an important item for the father soldiers.
“Their headstones were so deteriorated you could hardly read them. So, I got the necessary documentation to send to the Veteran’s Administration and they sent us new headstones and we had them put here,” Wilson said.
According to the Larry Weatherford, the president of the Illiana Historical Society, they are given a 231-pound piece of granite that they install for the headstones.
Mike Wilson said he’s come to the Marshall City Cemetery many times to keep the Civil War headstones preserved.
“The civil war headstones that are out here, a lot of them were dirty and I have cleaned half of them because of what they’ve done for us. It’s the least I can do for them,” he said.
The ceremony included historical reenactments, singing of the National Anthem and a presentation from the honor guard.
“A lot of stones nationwide are just put in with no ceremony. But we feel like these folks who served our country deserve to be honored and now they’re back with us,” Weatherford said.
They said there are likely more soldiers out there, that are closer than people may think.
“Research your family and see if you had any family that was part of the Civil War. Every three out of four homes at that time was involved in the Civil War, so you surely have ancestors back then,” said Wilson.
And they should not be forgotten.
“But if we don’t remember our history, we’re going to lose it. And we’ve got to remember what these men did,” Wilson said.
Ceremonies like these are held around five to six times a year in Marshall.
