Operation LOVE
Supporting Local Veterans in Our Communities
Symonds Family Chapels launched Operation LOVE in February 2020, a project to connect volunteers with local veterans in need.
The project was inspired by the outpouring of support at the January 29, 2020 funeral for Elgin unclaimed veteran John James Murphy. Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral service and interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Our Mission
The mission of Operation LOVE is to HONOR unclaimed veterans at their funerals, CONNECT volunteers with Elgin area veterans in need, and STRENGTHEN existing Elgin area veterans service organizations by promoting their events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers.
Veterans and civilians alike are encouraged to participate. The LOVE in Operation LOVE is an acronym for Love Our Veterans Elgin.
Operation LOVE volunteers will participate in future community funerals for unclaimed veterans held at Symonds Family Chapels. Volunteers will also be connected with local opportunities to serve our veterans and support nonprofits that serve our veterans.
Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Christopher Jones
In April 2026, Symonds Family Chapels stepped in to honor U.S. Army veteran Christopher Emanuel Jones when he passed without family to claim him, ensuring he received a meaningful and dignified service. Through their nonprofit, Operation LOVE, they organized visitation, military honors, and a community tribute that drew veterans, volunteers, and local residents together. Their efforts transformed what could have been a quiet passing into a powerful show of respect demonstrating their commitment to making sure no veteran is forgotten or laid to rest alone.
Corporal Eriverto Ortiz
In the fall of 2024 after more than 70 years, U.S. Army Corporal Eriverto Ortiz who was killed during the Korean War and designated as MIA was finally brought home and laid to rest with full military honors. Symonds Family Chapels guided the Ortiz family and coordinated services that brought the community together, including visitation, funeral mass, and interment at Bluff City Cemetery. Their dedication ensured Cpl. Ortiz’s life, service, and long-awaited homecoming were honored with the dignity, respect, and care he deserved.
John James Murphy
In January 2020, Symonds Family Chapels ensured that Vietnam veteran John James Murphy was honored with dignity when no family came forward to claim him. By organizing a full military service, they brought together hundreds of community members, veterans, and volunteers to pay their respects. Their efforts transformed what could have been a forgotten passing into a powerful tribute, complete with honors, procession, and shared remembrance - demonstrating their commitment to ensuring no veteran is laid to rest alone or without recognition.
Join Us
If you would like to join Operation LOVE, please join our official Facebook Group for updates and volunteer opportunities.
Join our email list to keep up on Operation LOVE volunteer activities and events.
If you know of a veteran's organization or business that serves local veterans and needs volunteers, please tell them about Operation LOVE and encourage them to contact Symonds Family Chapels by calling 847-741-1128.
Check out our Media section for some very special news coverage of Operation LOVE and our presence in the community.
