Salute to troops tree-cleaning service at Evergreen Cemetery
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Volunteers helped clean the historic Evergreen Cemetery for veterans on Wednesday as part of an effort through a non-profit organization.
Evergreen Cemetery is one of the most historic cemeteries in the Pikes Peak region and is the final resting place of more than 4,000 veterans, with some sites dating back to the Civil War.
About 203 volunteers showed up to restore the cemetery through a non-profit organization called “Saluting Branches.”
According to City Forester Matt Puckett the organization “is dedicated to enhancing the landscape around veteran cemeteries and veteran sites.”
The volunteers who showed up were local companies who care for trees, people in the military and members of the community. This event has been happening annually for the last five years.
“It’s fantastic for our community. It’s fantastic for our veterans, and it’s amazing to see that level of support,” Puckett said.
Restoring the cemetery meant much more to the community than just giving back, it meant paying homage to loved ones who served.
“Green Berets coming by saying thank you for what you are doing. From the volunteers that have their uncle, their father buried here that served in our country. I mean the impact is near and dear,” Puckett said.
The event on Wednesday brought in more than $100,000 dollars in professional care for the 2,800 trees, according to officials.
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