Beaufort Volunteers Celebrate Saluting Branches Day of Service
BEAUFORT— The sun peeked through the clouds in a friendly manner on the morning of September 18, making it the perfect day for tree care at Beaufort National Cemetery. A dedicated group of over two dozen volunteer arborists gathered near dawn, ready to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community, and oh, did they pick a splendid day for it!
Thanks to a refreshing breeze and milder temperatures after a particularly hot and humid summer, the volunteers were greeted with ideal working conditions. This delightful weather was certainly a much-appreciated change, with even the mosquitoes seeming to take a day off.
A National Day of Service
This event marked the third year that Beaufort National Cemetery has participated in the Saluting Branches National Day of Service. This special day, initiated back in 2015, is organized by a Minnesota-based nonprofit that collaborates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The aim? To provide essential tree care at national cemeteries across the country.
“Everyone here gave so much to our country. It’s a way for arborists to give a little bit back to the veterans,” explained master arborist Michael Murphy, who served as the site coordinator.
Teams from seven local tree care companies came together for this noble cause, working tirelessly to care for the majestic live oaks and palms that grace the cemetery. What a sight to behold, as those skilled hands trimmed and maintained the trees that add such character to the grounds!
Community Impact
While most people might take the landscaping at a cemetery for granted, those in the know recognize how vital tree care is for maintaining the beauty and safety of these hallowed grounds. Michael Brophy, assistant director at Beaufort National Cemetery, expressed how the help from the arborist community was deeply appreciated. “When you look at a national cemetery, especially here in the South, the trees play such an important role in the character and beauty of the cemetery,” he said.
Murphy emphasized the importance of tree care, particularly that of the palm trees lining the main drive into the cemetery. “Getting those palms trimmed every year is a great value to us,” Brophy noted, pointing out that these trees provide key photo opportunities for visitors.
A Day of Come Together
Amidst the hustle and bustle of trimming, pruning, and caring for the trees, Michael Kolcun, owner of Kolcun Tree Care, reflected on the magnitude of the experience. He mentioned how humbling it is to work on such magnificent trees. “These trees are absolutely magnificent. It’s nice to be able to work on them,” he said.
Even some military veterans showed their support; Benjamin Peart and two friends drove down from Lexington, eager to participate in this touching tribute to fellow service members. Their participation wasn’t just to help the trees, but a heartfelt acknowledgment of those who served.
Growing Movement
This year’s effort not only gathered a robust crew of volunteers but also marks a milestone— Saluting Branches celebrated its first year with events happening in all 50 states. From a mere 15 events in 2015 to an impressive 96 events this year, it’s clear the movement is gaining momentum! Over 4,000 volunteers came together to serve at not just cemeteries, but at medical centers, nursing homes, and war memorials.
While the growth of Saluting Branches has been quite remarkable, spokesperson Babette Hurt shared the organization’s commitment to ensuring sustainable success. “We don’t want the growth to explode and then collapse,” she explained, outlining the board’s focus on maintaining a meaningful future for these events.
Looking Ahead
As the volunteers completed their work and admired their accomplishments, it was clear that more opportunities for service lay ahead. Despite the dedicated efforts from the past three years, there remains a list of projects to tackle at Beaufort National Cemetery. With its lush live oaks and historical significance, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country.
As the sun set that evening, the volunteers could leave with a sense of pride, knowing they played a part in giving back, not just to the landscape, but to the veterans who have given so much. Here’s to many more years of selfless service and community spirit!
