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Oak Ridge Cemetery

Greg Tally, Director
A Department of the City of Springfield

 Misty Buscher, Mayor

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Memorials



There are three state war memorials located at Oak Ridge Cemetery. They commemorate the Illinois lives lost in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The hours that these Memorials are open to the public:

  • April 1st - August 31st: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • September 1st - March 31st: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial

The Memorial Association was founded in 1999 and in 2000 was chartered as a not-for-profit organization (501C3). The Memorial was constructed to honor the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II. 22,000 Illinois citizens gave their lives in pursuit of liberty. The Memorial was officially dedicated on December 4, 2004.

For more information on the State's World War II memorial, click Here.

Vietnam War Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1988, honors the almost 3,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The center of the Memorial is an eternal flame supported by five vertical gray granite walls, each representing a branch of the armed services.

For more information on the State's Vietnam War Memorial, Here.

Korean War Memorial

Korean War Memorial

The Korean War State Memorial, honoring 1,748 Illinoisans killed during the 1950-1953 Korean War, was dedicated on June 16, 1996. The Memorial consists of a twelve-foot-tall bronze bell, with a diameter of twelve feet, mounted on a granite base.

For more information on the State's Korean War Memorial, click Here.

World War I Memorial

World War I Memorial

Originally designed by a private donor, this memorial was moved from First and North Grand streets to Oak Ridge Cemetery and was officially rededicated on September 25, 2019. Etched on four sides are the names of 112 Sangamon County soldiers and one nurse who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. Today, this memorial honors all Illinois veterans who bravely served their country in World War I.

Photo Credit: Katie Spindell

Purple Heart Memorial

Purple Heart Memorial

The Illinois Purple Heart Memorial honors recipients of the Purple Heart killed or wounded from all wars the United States has participated in.

The center of the Memorial includes an eight-foot piece of black granite with an engraving of a Purple Heart on it. The other side of the stone features a quote from William Shakespeare’s Henry V:, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” Two smaller black granite stones to the left and right of the centerpiece of the Memorial feature the engravings of four soldiers.

Dedicated in 2016, the Memorial stands between the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial. Click here for more information.

Photo Credit: P.J. Staab