August 5, 2021, Platt County Journal-Republican by Steve Hoffman.
The local Monticello American Legion was cleaning out closets when they came across evidence of a little-known World War II organization. It was the flag of the Mothers of World War Ii, Unit 4, Illinois according to the wording on the flag.
It is a relatively ornate, linen flag featuring light colored lettering on a bright red field, with a red, white and blue shield in the middle. Gold tassels still trail from the edges.
After some research, it was determined that their primary goal was to retrieve some of the dead of that war. They helped bring the body of Robert Meece back to the United States and get him interred in Cerro Gordo. He had been killed in the European Theater on July 30, 1944.
Founded in February 1943 it appears that the local unit existed for about ten years before fading away or being disbanded. During the time it existed, they volunteered for war efforts and to help veterans on their return.
Their projects included donations of dollars and items to veterans hospitals as well as sending clothing, toilet articles and food to service men still overseas. Donations were also made to Kirby Hospital, the DeWitt-Piatt County Health Council and the Red Cross.
I'd Never Heard of Them. --GreGen
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