THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS WAR MEMORIALS

Historic Preservation Agency seeks public input Jan. 24 on plans for future war memorials The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Board of Trustees will host a public meeting Saturday, Jan. 24, to get input on how to manage space in the state’s collection of war memorials in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery. The agency now operates memorials there for veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Additional groups have approached the IHPA about adding memorials to the site, which has a finite amount of space. The IHPA Board of Trustees is seeking input from veterans groups and the general public regarding further development of the site and appropriate criteria for adding memorials. Who: Any member of the public with an interest in when and how new war memorials should be added at Oak Ridge Cemetery. What: Public meeting Where: Great Room, IHPA headquarters, 313 S. Sixth Street, Springfield When: Noon – 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24. (Postponed from the original date in December) Why: To gather public input on honoring military personnel past and present. Details: Each person may speak for three minutes. No more than three people from any one group may speak. Pre-registration for speaking times may be made by contacting Aly Grady at 217-558-8950. Written comments will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2014. Comments may be sent to hpa.info@illinois.gov with “War Memorial” in the subject field or mailed to IHPA, Attn Aly Grady, 313 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62701.