Air Force Veteran, Tom Lacey, and other volunteers clean headstones during Patriot Day at the Quantico National Cemetery on Sept. 11, 2019 (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paige Verry)
On Monday, the VA will honor the anniversary of the September 11 Attacks by coordinating volunteer gatherings at more than 60 VA National Cemeteries as part of the National Day of Service.
This event will pay tribute to the Service Members, Veterans, and first responders who served on that fateful day in 2001, as well as those who have sacrificed for the nation in the 22 years since. Participants, including VA employees, Veterans, family members, and the public, will focus on cleaning every headstone at each cemetery across the country.
Carry The Load, a nonprofit founded by Navy SEALs to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day, and the National Cemetery Administration of the VA are working together on this effort. Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Matt Quinn, is encouraging all Americans to join in volunteering at the national cemeteries on September 11 to honor the nation’s heroes and ensure they are not forgotten. The event provides an opportunity to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives during the attacks.
Volunteers will receive necessary cleaning supplies and materials free of charge. Information about participating cemeteries and registration details can be found on the NCA National Day of Service website here.
In addition to this event, the VA manages 155 cemeteries nationwide and supports 121 state, territorial, and Tribal Veterans cemeteries. Eligible Veterans, their spouses, dependent children, and others discharged under honorable conditions are entitled to VA burial benefits. VA officials also encourage friends, family, and loved ones to visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial website here, where they can locate and pay tribute to Veterans with photos and tributes. This online memorial honors 4.8 million Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries and in VA-funded state, territorial, or tribal cemeteries.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
