ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. - Over 400 volunteers representing the National Association of Landscape Professionals descended upon Arlington National Cemetery July 20 for the 19th Annual Renewal and Remembrance event.
This year, volunteers from 30 states donated time and equipment to spruce up approximately 200 acres of the hallowed grounds, despite temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Work done on the hazy July morning included the installation of lightning protection and cabling on nine historic trees, liming and aerating turf and updating irrigation systems.
A group of over a dozen children volunteers planted flowers throughout the cemetery as well.
In the James R. Tanner Amphitheater, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., gave opening remarks to an audience of volunteers donning neon yellow safety vests. She and her husband Joe, a member of NALP, own a landscape and snow removal company.
"Today let's remember those who have done so much for our nation," said Ayotte. "The 400,000-plus men and women- from every generation- who fought to preserve our freedoms."
Serving on the Senate Armed Services and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees, Ayotte shared a special connection with the audience.
"Maintaining this cemetery's more than 600 acres is no small task," she said. "Your service is a meaningful way to honor these men and women who have done so much for our nation. This is the single largest day of landscape service in the country, and perhaps the most meaningful."
To commemorate the cemetery's 150th anniversary in 2014, the historic landscape was established as the Memorial Arboretum. The Arboretum includes trees that pre-date the establishment of the cemetery, estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old; two state champions; a substantial set of Memorial Trees; and trees that honor Medal of Honor recipients, according to ANC's website.
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