Memorial Ceremony to honor Civil War soldiers of the 117th Illinois Regiment
WHAT:
A brief Memorial Ceremony to honor Civil War soldiers of the 117th Illinois Regiment, also known as the “McKendree Regiment” or “McKendree’s Own.”
The 6th annual graveside ceremony will include:
• Posting of the colors
• Remarks by Sgt. Major Frank Austin of the 117th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, in Civil War uniform
• Patriotic music
The 117th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers of the Union Army was comprised of about 900 mostly
McKendree College (now McKendree University) faculty and staff members, graduates
and students.
When the Civil War began in 1861, 150 of the 200 students enrolled volunteered for
Federal Service, rushing to defend the Union. McKendree contributed at least six generals,
30 other officers and hundreds of enlisted men to the Northern ranks. Many of the
trees on front lawn of the historic Lebanon campus, founded in 1828, were planted
in memory of those who died in the Civil War.
The University will honor the fallen soldiers at noon on Friday, May 24. All are welcome
to attend the annual brief memorial service on the grounds of College Hill Cemetery,
directly north of the campus.
WHERE:
College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Illinois
At Stanton and Summerfield Streets, across from the new residence hall.
WHEN:
Noon on Friday, May 24, rain or shine.
Prior to the ceremony, American flags will be placed on the graves of Civil War soldiers Jesse Brant, William Ogden, Lt. Samuel H. Deneen (former professor of languages at McKendree, d. 1895), and Lt. William Wallis (d. 1901).
