Hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals will bring crews to Washington, D.C., July 16 for the Professional Landcare Network’s annual “Renewal and Remembrance at Arlington National and Historic Congressional Cemetery.”
PLANET members will spend the day mulching, caring for and cabling trees with lightening protection, pruning, liming, planting and aerating – about $250,000 worth of services and work. Tom Shotzbarger, PLANET member and chairman of the event, says the service event provides an opportunity for members to demonstrate their professional skills while caring for the two cemeteries.
“Because these cemeteries are of such size and scope, they need our help,” Shotzbarger says. More than 300,000 people, including veterans from all the nation’s wars, are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and about 60,000 are buried at Historic Congressional Cemetery.
The day will begin at 7 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony featuring a joint color guard and speaker to dedicate the event to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
“This is the most significant project that PLANET will do this year,” Shotzbarger says. “The natural beauty and quiet grace of Arlington National Cemetery make it a place that we feel compelled to protect and take care of. This extremely worthwhile, meaningful project demonstrates our honor and remembrance of America’s veterans and leaders.”
PLANET and the Tree Care Industry Association will visit Congress members for the Legislative Day on the Hill event July 17 to speak with them about issues the green industry faces, including the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
