ELWOOD, Ill. — A crowd of several hundred — including Governor Rauner — gathered at Lincoln National Cemetery where some of the strongest and bravest among us have been laid to rest.

While Memorial Day is dedicated to those military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving, it has become a day to remember those who served but died after serving.

At Abraham Lincoln national cemetery each grave marker is adorned with an American flag.

The federal holiday that we now know as “Memorial Day” dates back to the years just after the Civil War. Then, it was then called Decoration Day.

All this time later, it is a time to remember the heroes among us.

This is the 16th year here for a Memorial Day tribute And in traditional fashion the program will end with the playing of Taps.