21st Anniversary of Renewal and Remembrance
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The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) held their annual Renewal and Remembrance service project at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on Monday, July 17, 2017. This event has been organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals for 21 years.
Over 500 Green Industry Professionals from across the US joined together to beautify the final resting place of over 400,000 of America’s military veterans and their spouses. Everyone joined together to spread lime and phosphorus, core aerated large sections of the grounds, completed tree trimming and cabling, and worked on the irrigation system throughout the cemetery grounds. There is also a Children’s Program for the children of those working at the cemetery.
The children helped to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, placed flowers on the graves of nurses that are buried in the Nurses Memorial and who participated in World War 1 and planted additional flowers. It was an inspiring site to see all these people in their yellow safety vests working together on a hot, sunny day in our National’s capitol.
This year, NALP arranged for the same work to be completed at the Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home Cemetery in Washington, D. C. The cemetery is located just north of the Armed Forces Retirement Home and is the oldest National Cemetery in the US. It is the final resting place 14,000 veterans, many who fought in the Civil War.
Tom Warfel, Spring-Green Business Consultant, recruited the help of three of our Franchise Owners along with family members or employees to help with the event. In total, 15 Spring-Green people worked at Arlington. Tom is a former Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq. Being a part of this program has a special meaning for Tom.
The Spring-Green Team, along with representatives from several other Green Industry companies, spread lime over 17 acres. It was a lot of work, but it pales in comparison. Personally, I have had the honor to participate in this program for at least 10 of the 21 years it has taken place. I never get tired of being there and it has been my honor to be a part of the program. I am already looking forward to next year’s event.
View more photos of this year's Renewal and Remembrance on the Spring-Green Facebook Page.