Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood

The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was because there was definitely some confusion about where to go when we reached the cemetery, and the welcome station was not only closed, it was being remodeled or repaired. However, once the representative assigned to us arrived, we were in good hands; she guided us to the site for the ceremony, ensured that we were informed and took care of everything completely. The military ceremony to honor my 99-yr-old uncle was touching and brought tears to our eyes. The representatives from the cemetery, from the U.S. Army, and from the local National Guard maintained a reverential demeanor throughout, despite our small group. The workers who sealed the ashes in the columbarium were also professional and expressed their condolences to the family. We were impressed that they also took GPS readings in order to add the location to a database that will allow visitors to enter their loved one's details at a kiosk, where a custom map will print out for them. Although many areas gave the impression of being under construction, the grounds are lovely.

Definitely worth your time to visit and pay some respects. What an amazing place right here in Will County! My only complaint was that the main visiting center’s computer for finding gravesites was down, and the women’s bathroom need some maintenance. But overlook that and be in awe of this place and all it represents.

I am from Chicago and it was a great pleasure going to a military cemetery on Memorial Day weekend for my first time to honor our Nation's fallen military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in uniform of the United States Armed Forces. We salute all of our soldiers and veterans and we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

My brother's ashes were interred here. We had a small funeral with the Army Honor Guard presiding. Jasmine Cruz was guiding the proceedings and did a great job. She was very respectful and had an amazing attitude even though she experiences a funeral multiple times a day. Joseph Palpiaz was our clergy man who gave our family great comfort in his words. I also want to thank Todd Wiseman, the cemetery representative and the Fort Leonard Wood military reps for the work they did in helping us get the right paperwork completed for the funeral. I would recommend all of these folks if you wanted to bury your veteran at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Thank you Jasmine, Joseph, Todd, Fort Wood and Army Honor Guard. I salute you all.

It was a long ride coming from Evanston, but it was worth it to bury my uncle Jimmy, a Navy veteran. The grounds are beautiful on a nice day and pristine as you would expect with anything that had to do with the military. The headstones were laid out in such a way so that regardless of the angle you can see them perfectly lined up. My hats off to the cemetery liaison and the honor guard for respectfully helping us bury my uncle as well as the veterans that volunteer to help out around the cemetery grounds.