PLANET'S "Renewal and Remembrance " Plans Shaping Up

The Professional Landcare Network announced that plans are well underway for the upcoming "Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery and Historic Congressional Cemetery" from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24.  PLANET welcomes the participation of companies and individuals involved in the green industry.

Hundreds of landscape, lawn care and tree care specialists from across the nation will bring their crews to Arlington National and Historic Congressional cemeteries to spend the day mulching, cabling trees with lightening protection, pruning, liming, planting and aerating, as well as installing an irrigation system at Arlington National Cemetery. This gift is valued at more than $250,000 in services and work.

Both cemeteries have notable histories. While most people recognize Arlington National, few realize how large it is and the number of well-known Americans interred there. More than 300,000 people are buried at the cemetery, including veterans from all of the nation's wars, from the American Revolution through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred there after 1900. Arlington conducts about 6,400 burials each year.

Historic Congressional Cemetery is a private cemetery founded in 1807. Owned by Christ Church, it is managed by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery. The grounds occupy 32.5 acres in southeast Washington, D.C., overlooking the Anacostia River. An estimated 60,000 interments have occurred there. Among the graves are privates and generals of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, Union and Confederate soldiers,craftsmen and architects of the Capitol, Indian chiefs, foreign diplomats, victims of tragedies and crime, prominent businessmen and ordinary citizens.

"Because these cemeteries are of such size and scope, they need our help," says PLANET member Phil Forgarty, who has helped to organize the event. "This is our opportunity to demonstrate our professional skills and care for two important American monuments."

The day will begin at Arlington with a ceremony featuring a joint color guard and speaker presentations to dedicate the day of work to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"This is the most significant project that PLANET will do this year," Fogarty says. "The natural beauty and quiet grace of Arlington National Cemetery will 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."

On July 25, PLANET members will visit their congressional leaders on Capitol Hill and speak with them about issues facing the green industry, including immigration.