Civil War soldiers buried in Rockford honored with grave markers

ROCKFORD, IL — Thirty-two Civil War veterans whose graves went unmarked for generations at Cedar Bluff Cemetery were formally honored Sept. 13 during a historic gravestone dedication ceremony.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Janie Jenkin, president of 815 Stone Scrubbers, the volunteer group that helped organize the dedication. A color guard from Loves Park VFW Post 9759 presented the flags, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Beth Ann Beal, known as “Red.” An invocation was offered by F.S. Tate, chaplain of VFW Post 5149, setting a reverent tone for the morning.