Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
Hundreds of PLANET members, from coast to coast, will travel to our nation’s capital for the largest landscape industry day of service.
On this special volunteer day, landscape industry professionals dedicate their time to enhance the beauty of Arlington National Cemetery by 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.
PLANET and its members feel truly privileged to be able to give back in this way to honor America’s veterans and heroes each year,” said Glenn Jacobsen, Landscape Industry Certified, president of PLANET. “Renewal & Remembrance is also an important day for our children to begin to understand the sacrifice given for our country and why Arlington National Cemetery means so much to all of us.”
Many PLANET members bring their children to Renewal & Remembrance. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 participate in a special program where they plant perennials on the cemetery grounds. Two children of PLANET members also get to participate in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Several PLANET member volunteers are also veterans. “As a military veteran and landscape professional, I have a personal connection to Renewal & Remembrance,” said Bob Brophy, PLANET member and former combat medic, 2nd Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment in Vietnam. “My Army unit was as close as brothers could be, and coming to Arlington’s National Cemetery each year to beautify the grounds, allows me to pay tribute to my friends and other veterans, our true heroes.”
Renewal & Remembrance Facts
Since its inception, Renewal & Remembrance has contributed more than $2.2 million to the care of our historic landmark.
In 2012, approximately 375 adults, representing more than 80 companies and 50 children, participated in this time-honored event.
This year PLANET members will install lightning protection and cabling for approximately seven of Arlington National Cemetery’s time-honored trees, in addition to liming and aerating, landscaping, and irrigation projects.
Last year PLANET members applied 120 tons of lime to 271 acres and aerated 30 acres of turf.
New Holland Construction and Caterpillar, Inc. are the Platinum sponsors for this year’s Renewal & Remembrance.