Covering 639 rolling acres in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is a beautiful and historic site honoring the American armed forces and commemorating those who have died in service to their country. However, in the words of Brandon Sheppard (Owner Weed Man Richmond, VA; Winchester, VA; Birmingham, AL; Frederick, MD; Annapolis, MD; Chester, MD), ANC is also more than meets the eye. "Arlington National Cemetery,” he says, “is not just a cemetery or a national treasure. It's a living, breathing ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and trees and vegetation.”
That kind of complex ecosystem, coupled with its historical significance, means that ANC requires – and deserves – highly skilled and specialized care. This summer, Weed Man volunteers and other representatives from the lawn and landscape industry banded together outside our nation’s capital to provide just that.
This July marked the 28th annual Renewal & Remembrance event, organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). In sweltering summer heat, more than 400 volunteers got their hands dirty to perform expert services, including fertilizing, aerating, applying lime, cultivating soil, planting flowers, installing new trees, and various irrigation, landscape, and hardscape projects.
As president of the NALP, Brandon Sheppard is proud of the hard work performed by all of the event’s volunteers, but especially his Weed Man volunteers, who took on some of the toughest tasks. “We have people literally digging ditches with pickaxes today in 100-degree heat with smiles on their faces because this is work they want to do,” he says.
One such volunteer, Joel Williams (branch manager at Weed Man Winchester), says, “The oneness I felt working shoulder-to-shoulder with different people within our respected markets was truly unparalleled. From the ceremony on hallowed grounds amongst fallen heroes, to encouraging shouts within our group to get the job done! I hope more of my colleagues get to share this experience and enjoy themselves as I did.”
Another volunteer, Annabelle Dockins (Weed Man head office), says, “Being invited to this event was incredibly humbling. It was an honor to contribute to the beautification of Arlington National Cemetery and to give back to the sacred ground where so many heroes rest.”
The fruit of their labor is evident in the health and beauty of the cemetery’s lawn and landscape, as any ANC visitor can attest. And the work performed by the NALP and all volunteers does not go without recognition. In fact, the NALP is the only non-military associated group to have a plaque of recognition placed inside the cemetery.
Representing the NALP, Brandon Sheppard was given the profound honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown, a rarity for a civilian, along with his father Bruce Sheppard, who has participated in the event for 26 years. Brandon also had the privilege of addressing the crowd from the historic Tanner Amphitheater.
Brandon and all of the volunteers are proud of this day of work, honored by the opportunity, and eager to use their talents to give back to their country and their communities.
“I view it as part of our civic responsibility,” Brandon says. “Much like voting and picking up litter and part of being a responsible citizen. Understanding that all the gifts we have, being Americans, aren’t just a birthright, they’re an obligation.”
From the NALP: Phil Fogarty (Weed Man) & Roger Phelps (STIHL)
From the NALP: Michael Justice (Weed Man Annapolis), Billy Charney (Weed Man Annapolis), & Joel Williams (Weed Man Winchester)
From the NALP: Annabelle Dockins (Weed Man) and Beth Berry (Advanced Turf Solutions)