By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield will honor the men and women who serve our country this Veterans Day.

The museum will put a wreath on display in the main plaza and light an eternal flame on the outside of the building to honor all branches of the U.S. military, according to Chris Wills, the library’s communication director.

Wills said the museum will add a personal touch to the wreath.

“It was made by one of our staff members, and we’re very proud to put that on display as a symbol of our appreciation for what veterans do for the nation,” Wills said.

Adm. Nils “Ron” Bunman, a leader in the nation’s submarine program for three decades, will be the guest speaker, who will describe his experiences while serving the country, among other topics.

“We’ll talk about the sacrifices that people like him and others in the Navy and other military branches make on behalf of the nation,” Wills said.

The museum will also offer resources to assist veterans.

“We will have a representative of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs on hand to answer their questions and talk about services that the government can provide,” Wills said.

Admission to the museum is free for current members of the military, veterans and gold-star families.

“This will be a great opportunity for someone to come to the museum with a veteran, whether it’s a grandfather or a friend or a daughter, to come here together and see the museum,” Wills said. “They can talk about the roles that veterans have played and understand their experiences.”