‘This will not be our last’ — Post members eager to continue good work
In White Bear Lake, Minnesota, members of VFW Post 1782 joined forces with American Legion Post 168 and community volunteers to take part in the inaugural VFW National Day of Service. Together, they performed extensive clean-up services at the Union Cemetery, where the Post holds its annual Memorial Day ceremony, to ensure a proper burial place for America’s heroes.
“Over the years the headstones for the honored veterans of our community have become overgrown and have fallen into disrepair,” said Post Recruiter Gary Carlberg. “The VFW and American Legion have joined together to beautify the grounds where these precious veterans have been laid to rest.”
The volunteers coordinated efforts with cemetery caretakers to trim branches covering headstones and pathways, pick up brush and trash and remove fungus and sod from headstones.
Additionally, when the Posts sent out a news release looking for volunteers, they also requested the names of veterans whose graves had not received an American flag on Memorial Day. They were able to add 12 individuals to their database.
The clean-up efforts made an impression on those who participated. Many are eager to keep up the good work in the future.
“Based on feedback from the 30 volunteers who enjoyed making such a difference in this clean-up project, this will not be our last,” said Carlberg.
VFW Post 1782’s experience is proof that one act of kindness or service often leads to another. The VFW is proud to recognize its members and looks forward to seeing what it achieves in the future.