05/22/2026
HONOR UNKNOWN SOLDIER HERE IN IMPRESSIVE WAY
Lemont Optimist-News 1932-06-02
Monument Dedicated In Annual Memorial Services
A duplicate, in miniature, of the far-famed Washington monument was unveiled and dedicated in the Danish cemetery near here last Monday with impressive ceremonies, participated in by 1,200 spectators. This beautiful tribute to Lemont’s Unknown Soldier was the gift of Ernest Wunderlich of Joliet, who presented it to Lemont Post No. 243, American Legion, “as a small installment of what I owe to the boys who fought for my country.” The services were under the direction of Commander Neil Doolin of Lemont post and came as a climax to the annual pilgrimage to soldier graves which occurs each year on Memorial Day.
Many Outside Visitors
A long article in the metropolitan section of the Chicago Tribune, published by arrangement with the Optimist-News, served to bring to the scene a large number of visitors from nearby communities. Prominent among the visitors was a delegation from the Argo-Summit post of the American Legion, who appeared in the line of march with their colors, to share in the honors extended to The Unknown Soldier.
On the speaker’s platform were Commander Neil Doolin, Charles A. Larson, and John Lindstrom, who both lost sons in the war; Ernest Wunderlich, donor of the monument; Mrs. DePeso, fourth district representative of the Ladies Auxiliary; and P. L. Dexter, who delivered the Memorial Day address.
Others who participated in the program were: Chaplain Frank Coats, Mrs. Cyril E. Nelson, president of the Ladies Auxiliary; Mrs. Arthur Rieck, member of the Americanism committee of the Auxiliary. Congressman Edward A. Kelley sent a telegram from Washington expressing his interest in the program that had been arranged and regretting that the press of important government business prevented his attendance.
Walter W. Wolter was in general charge of the days program of grave visitation and Charles I. Woods directed the activities of the firing squad.
The Lemont Municipal band, in charge of Director Charles D. Nicholls was present in full force to provide music for the occasion.
All Join in Singing “America”
The program opened with the band playing “America” while the huge assembly united in singing under the leadership of Rev. Frank Coats, after which the chaplain offered a prayer of dedication.
Commander Neil Doolin introduced Ernest Wunderlich of Joliet, donor of the monument and he presented the monument with a few well-chosen words in which he spoke of the debt which was due to the men who fought for the Nation, and said that he was presenting the monument as “an installment of that debt.” Commander Doolin accepted the monument on behalf the Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Lemont community.
Mayor Roy E. McCarthy had been scheduled to deliver the Memorial Day address, but he was out of the city and P. L. Dexter was requested to speak in his place. Mr. Dexter pointed out the fact that not only the soldiers, but also the folks “back home” had shared in the service of the Nation, and that the day was one of interest and significance to all. He pointed to the motto of the army group and “back home” group as being identical-that the demand of the Nation met with immediate response on the part of all loyal citizens, regardless of their station in life.
Mrs. DePeso, chairman of the Americanism committee of the fourth district, Ladies Auxiliary, spoke regarding the significance of the gathering and paid tribute in words of deepest feeling as she mentioned the heroic service rendered to the Nation by the men who answered the call to arms.
Mrs. Anna Doolin Rieck read a poem of her own composing which is printed elsewhere in this paper in which with rare insight she caught the meaning of the event. Her tribute, entitled, “To Lemont’s Unknown Soldier”, was prefaced by a brief comment in which she paraphrased a verse from “The Burial of Sir John Moore” (C. Wolfe 1817). Lightly they’ll talk of the spirit that’s gone; And o’er his cold ashes upbraid him, but little he’ll reck if they let him sleep on in the grave where the Legion has laid him.
Mrs. Cyril E. Nelson, president of Lemont Unit No. 243, American Legion Auxiliary, came forward with a beautiful wreath which she laid on the grave of The Unknown Soldier, with a brief but appropriate comment.
The Monument Unveiled
Commander Doolin presented Chaplain Frank Coats whose suggestion regarding the need of a monument had resulted in its placing, and the chaplain officiated at an impressive unveiling ceremony in which he was assisted by Charles A. Larson and John Lindstrom, parents of boys who died in the service. As the veil was drawn from the slender, graceful shaft, a murmur of subdued appreciation broke from the gathered crowd as they viewed for the first time the quiet dignity of the memorial.
The band broke into the strains of The Star-Spangled Banner, and as the last notes died away the firing squad delivered the salute to the dead and the haunting, sweet notes of the bugles broke out in taps.
The monument to The Unknown Soldier was dedicated. Unknown on earth, perhaps in heaven his name is written in letters of gold.
