It was a perfect fall day.  This sunny Sunday afternoon at the end of September blew a light breeze through Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, with the temperature hovering at 78 degrees.  It was the kind of day that would surely bring final rest to the two American Civil War soldiers being honored this day.

Sgt. John Roberts and Pvt. Leonard D. Hinkley, both members of the 24th Wisconsin Infantry Civil War Regiment, whose graves laid unmarked for over a century, were finally honored with a military gravestone, an honor guard, and short Invocation and Benediction service, provided by Chaplain Dean J. Collins with a small crowd in attendance.  The sound of Taps, played by Bill Seaman, struck a patriotic and emotional note in the hearts of all present, as uniformed members of the local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War stood at attention to honor the military service of Sgt. Roberts and Pvt. Hinkley. Two Hinkley family members Lee Tan and John Wood were also present, both descendants of Leonard’s brother Francis (Frank) Hinkley.

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The Rededication Ceremonies were organized by the local chapter of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and their women’s Auxiliary, after the two unmarked graves were recently found by researchers Tom Ludka and Marge Berres, who have been instrumental in finding and rededicating the unmarked graves of over 200 military servicemen and women.

Thank you C.K Pier Badger Camp 1 and C.K. Pier Badger Auxiliary #4 for your hard work in organizing this event.

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