Arlington National Cemetery

Hundreds of Volunteers Gather to Renew Arlington National Cemetery

Armed with lawn care equipment and bags of mulch, hundreds of volunteers gathered on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery for the site's annual "Renew and Remembrance" event Monday.

About 400 landscape and lawncare workers spread out among 200 acres of the cemetery during Monday's service event.

One worker, Jay Lawson, said it was his fourth time volunteering at the event.

"We just find it really important to come here and support the cause of people that have given everything to us," he said, "and to be able to come here and respect them and take care of their final home."

They began their work just before 8 a.m. and continued their projects throughout the day. It was a family affair as kids helped out by planting perennials and laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

According to the event's organizer, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), it was the largest landscape industry day of service in the country, and several volunteers were veterans.

 "As the cemetery marks its 150 anniversary this year, it is imperative we take care of and preserve this national treasure for future generations," said Jim McCutcheon, president of PLANET.

"It is the least we can do, as the landscape and lawn care industry, to help care for these sacred grounds," he said.

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