Justice in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old Glory
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 19, 2025
1. Old Glory Marker
Conceived in 1777 out of the love
America bore for liberty and honor.
I am the memorial of countless heroes who
shed their blood to preserve this
sacred heritage.
I have inspired generations of gallant men
who fought against tyranny.
I am the spirit of Valley Forge.....
Of sacrifice..... of courage.
I have guarded every rampart where freedom
defended its glorious cause.....
Tripoli... Belleau Wood... Argonne Forest
... Omaha Beach... Anzio... Bastogne
... Guadalcanal... Coral Sea...
Leyte Gulf... Iwo Jima... Korea...
Viet Nam
I fly wherever Americans gave their lives to
preserve the sanctity of life.
My home is in the hearts of all who feel a
thrill of pride when they salute me
and what I symbolize-
Erected 1994 by Bethania Association Member Congregations.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.
Location. 41° 45′ N, 87° 50.147′ W. Memorial is in Justice, Illinois, in Cook
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint John Paul II (approx. 0.7 miles away); Resurrection Cemetery (approx. Ύ mile away); a different marker also named Resurrection Cemetery (approx. Ύ mile away); Lithuanian National Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Dr. Kazys Grinius (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Justice.
More about this memorial. The rear of the marker lists 15 congregations with plots at Bethania and states that it was erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of Bethania Cemetery.
Another veterans memorial, originally erected in 1937 and re-dedicated the same year as this one, is a few paces away.
Regarding Old Glory. The cemetery opened in 1894 to serve as a burial ground for Lutheran congregations on Chicago's south side. It is adjacent to the
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 19, 2025
2. Old Glory Marker, rear side
The rear of the marker lists the religious congregations who helped in erecting this memorial. In the background is a separate veterans memorial, which was rededicated the same year as this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Bethania Cemetery official site. (Submitted on January 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Encyclopedia of Chicago: Justice, IL.
Excerpt: "By 1890 a small community stretched several blocks along the north side of Archer Avenue. Late-nineteenth-century and early-twentieth-century maps label this area as Mount Forest or Seafield. In 1894 Bethania Cemetery was established on the northeast side of the settled area. The presence of this cemetery and Resurrection Cemetery in 1904 stimulated economic growth. Picnic groves and taverns opened to cater to cemetery visitors from Chicago. In 1901, streetcars began running from Chicago to Joliet along Archer Avenue. Weekends and holidays brought crowds from Chicago to visit the picnic groves, taverns, and cemeteries. Three monument companies supplied headstones."(Submitted on January 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 19, 2025
3. Veterans Memorial and Old Glory Marker
The veterans memorial is in the front; behind the center flagpole is a marker titled "Old Glory."
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
