Use your landscaping skills to honor veterans during a day of service.
On July 9, members of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the international association of lawn care and landscape professionals, will work to preserve the landscape at Arlington National Cemetery through the 16th annual Renewal & Remembrance beautification project.
Each year, Renewal & Remembrance draws hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals to enhance the beauty of Arlington National Cemetery by spending the day mulching, pruning, aerating, planting, liming and cabling trees with lightning protection on more than 150 acres. Known for its rolling green hills and majestic trees, Arlington National Cemetery’s impressive landscape serves as tribute to the service and sacrifice of those laid to rest within its hallowed grounds.
“As a military veteran and landscape professional, it means a great deal to me that I can contribute in an effort that honors our veterans’ memory and sacrifice.”
Many PLANET members bring their children to Renewal & Remembrance, and these children, between the ages of 3 and 12, will participate in a special program where they plant perennials on the cemetery grounds and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“As a military veteran and landscape professional, it means a great deal to me that I can contribute in an effort that honors our veterans’ memory and sacrifice by keeping Arlington’s National Cemetery beautiful,” said Tim Price, PLANET member and Iraq War veteran. “Many of us have personal connections to Arlington National Cemetery through our own military service or through friends or family members laid to rest here.”
Renewal & Remembrance Facts
- Since its inception, Renewal & Remembrance has contributed more than $2 million to the care of our historic landmark.
- In 2011, approximately 400 adults, representing more than 100 companies and 50 children participated in this time-honored event.
- This year, PLANET members will install lightning protection for seven of Arlington National Cemetery’s time-honored trees in addition to liming and aerating and irrigation projects.
- Last year, PLANET members applied 120 tons of lime to 271 acres and aerated 30 acres of turf.
New Holland Construction is Renewal & Remembrance’s Platinum Sponsor.
While Renewal & Remembrance is the largest green industry day of service in the country, green industry professionals support America’s troops year-round. GreenCare for Troops, an ongoing, nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen, connects PLANET members and other green industry professionals with military families that have a member serving overseas. Volunteers provide free lawn and landscape services for thousands of military families nationwide.