Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad Honors Veterans With Final Salutes

At Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, the day’s work begins long before the first service.

For the members of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad, the morning routine is a familiar blend of coffee, donuts, and conversation—a brief moment of camaraderie for a group defined by a solemn, unwavering mission.

Since 2003, this volunteer organization has provided final military honors to veterans, ensuring that no service member is laid to rest without the proper recognition. The squad has maintained this commitment for over two decades, performing their duties with a level of precision and reverence that offers families a profound sense of closure.

Mike Padgen, a Navy veteran who served as a boiler technician on a guided missile destroyer, has led the group as commander for the past two years.

He oversees a roster of more than 120 volunteers, all dedicated to the same goal: rendering a final salute to the men and women who served in the armed forces. “Everything is very solemn … and we perform everything to the best of our ability,” Padgen said.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad help give veterans final honors — CBS Chicago

The squad’s membership reflects the diversity of the military community it serves. Among the ranks is 91-year-old George Anthos, the group’s only Korean War veteran. While he admits to slowing down, Anthos finds purpose in the company of his fellow volunteers.

“I’ve slowed down a lot, but being with these guys, they really cheer me up,” he said. “I kind of hold back the tears, but sometimes I can’t. It’s uh … I just can’t explain it.”

The group’s dedication remains consistent regardless of the weather or the frequency of services. While the squad is composed primarily of men, two women—Lynn Berndt and Cecilia Seabrook—have served for 21 years, marking them as the longest-serving squad members. For Berndt, the motivation is rooted in the impact the ceremony has on the bereaved. “I feel like I’ve done something. I’ve given this family closure,” she said.

The practical effect of this volunteer work is most visible in the reactions of the families attending the services. For many, the reality of a military funeral—complete with the sounding of Taps—is a moment they have only encountered through films or stories. Chris Macias, who attended a service for a family member, described the experience as a “very, very touching moment for all of us.”

The ceremony carries a heavy emotional weight, yet it provides a sense of pride for those left behind. Kathleen Morgan, who attended a service, noted the emotional toll the ceremony takes on those present, but emphasized the dignity of the tribute. “It brings a tear to everybody’s eye … but he’d be proud. He’d be proud, for sure,” Morgan said.

Operating as a volunteer-run organization, the squad relies solely on donations to sustain its operations. To fund their duties, the group holds an annual golf outing fundraiser every June. This allows the squad to maintain its standards of discipline, ensuring that each service is treated as if it were the only one on the schedule.

The work of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad remains a constant presence in Elwood, where the rhythm of the cemetery is defined by the cadence of the salute. As the sun sets on the life of another veteran, the squad prepares to begin again the following morning, fulfilling a duty that members describe as both honorable and rewarding.

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