University News

WIU Veterans Memorial Grove Tree Planting Nov. 15

November 11, 2019

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MACOMB, IL -- In April 2001, shortly before Sept. 11, seven trees were planted on campus in memory of seven Western Illinois University students who died during World War I, and to honor the memory of all Western students and alumni who died serving our country in the Armed Forces.

As stated on the plaque placed by the trees, their sacrifice is one of Western's greatest honors that those trees symbolize not only those seven students who died during World War I (The names are printed in the 1920 Sequel, p. 144. Robert Buckley, Sterling; John Larson, Colchester; John Hinrichs, Bethel Township; Donald Whitesell, Colchester; Roy Henning, Bowen; Ralph Imes, Colchester; Henry Black, Doddsville), but all of Western's Fallen Soldiers (Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians) of every era.

To highlight this memorial, on Friday, Nov.15, between 4:45-5:15 p.m., immediately following the open house and 10th anniversary celebration of the Veteran's Resource Center, there will be a special tree dedication to replace one of those seven trees, which died near the Soldiers Memorial, formerly located near Simpkins Hall. The WIU Veterans Memorial Grove is now located at the east end of Sherman Drive at the junction with Adams Street. 
 
The one tree died in 2017.  The seventh tree that will be planted to complete the memorial is a "Flash Fire" sugar maple cultivar with striking red-orange fall color.  The tree was donated by Wally Elsner, of Elsner's Nursery, Macomb.

The tree will be planted by WIU Interim President Martin Abraham, with some of WIU's previous leaders and veterans.

For more information about Military Appreciation Week at WIU, visit bit.ly/2rsMBbn.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing