WASHINGTON — VA national cemeteries are looking for volunteers to participate in the Sept. 9 National Day of Service to honor those who served in the nation’s armed forces in the 21 years since 9/11.
This is the fourth annual day of service, and it will take place at more than 60 cemeteries across the country. Volunteers will clean headstones and participate in other beautification activities that honor and remember our nation’s heroes.
“We encourage all Americans to volunteer at our national cemeteries on this National Day of Service to commemorate the heroes who have served our country since 9/11,” said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn. “By performing a service, cleaning a headstone and saying their names, we tell these heroes our nation has not forgotten all they sacrificed for us.”
Former Acting Under Secretary for Health and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Gerald Cross, M.D. volunteered during a Day of Service several years ago at Alexandria National Cemetery. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Cross said, “While the cemetery was close to our Virginia home, this was the first opportunity to visit. I was startled by the stark reminder that these soldiers were taken so early in life. They missed so much. It meant a lot to us to ‘visit’ and spend a few moments with these young men.”
VA’s National Cemetery Administration is partnering with Carry The Load to put on this National Day of Service. To learn more and view a list of participating cemeteries and start times, visit the National Day of Service page. Those wishing to volunteer should register at Carry The Load’s National Day of Service page. Cleaning supplies and other materials will be provided; there is no cost to participate, and all are welcome.
NCA also invites family, friends and loved ones to visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial to post photos and tributes on a Veteran’s page. VLM is an online memorial that honors 4.5 million Veterans interred at VA national cemeteries or in VA grant-funded state, territorial or tribal Veteran cemeteries.
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