More than 440 children and adults came together for PLANET’s Renewal & Remembrance.
During a three-day PLANET event that ended today, industry professionals and their families met in Arlington, Virginia, to remember those who gave their lives for our country.
Renewal & Remembrance, which is in its 18th year, is an annual event that brings together landscapers from across the country. This year, pros came from more than 30 states to give of their time and talents.
On Monday, the landscapers broke into groups at Arlington National Cemetery to renovate the grounds. Some spread lime, irrigated and aerated, while others pruned, cabled and braced trees. The teams were spread out across more than 180 acres at the cemetery all morning.
And this event came full circle, tying in the past, present and future.
The landscapers’ children also helped out by planting trees, native grasses and creating flower arrangements to place on tombstones.
One of the children’s leaders was a Navy veteran himself and said he had many friends laid to rest in the cemetery.
So, this event had an extra special meaning to him, and he was excited about passing this experience and values along to the children.
“It’s especially important for this generation to understand service and sacrifice,” says Roger Phelps, with Stihl and a member of the PLANET board.
But no matter if they were on spreaders or trimming trees, the landscapers kept their focus on giving back to those who gave it all.
6 Facts about the 2014 Renewal & Remembrance
1. 100 landscape industry companies and organizations were represented.
2. 78 tons of lime were applied to 180 acres at the cemetery.
3. 22 tons of gypsum were applied to 84.5 acres
4. 45 acres of turf was aerated.
5. Seven trees were pruned, cabled and braced.
6. Five trees received lightning protection.
Today, the landscapers will meet with their representatives and senators to talk about industry issues.
Read more about Renewal & Remembrance in the September issue of Total Landscape Care magazine.
View more photos from the event in our Photo Gallery.