Marietta National Cemetery will host a free headstone-cleaning event on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The cleanup is part of a nationwide 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance organized by national nonprofit Carry The Load, the Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A.) and the National Cemetery Administration. It starts at 10 a.m. at the cemetery, 500 Washington Ave. NE in Marietta. Registration is required at CarryTheLoad.org/patriot-day.
Volunteers will receive a brief ceremony and instructions on headstone cleaning before getting to work on the grounds, according to the VA's event page. Volunteers may arrive as early as 9:30 a.m. to prepare.
The event is open to all ages. Families, youth groups and individuals are welcome.
The VA lists 144 participating cemeteries across the country, including 103 VA national cemeteries. Marietta National Cemetery is one of two Georgia sites; the other is Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
Kathie Wood, CEO of Carry The Load, said in an Aug. 11 press release that the organization "exists to actively connect people with the sacrifices made by our military, veterans, first responders and their families." She invited "families, children, older adults, people of all backgrounds" to join the Sept. 12 effort.
Carry The Load is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2011 by veteran U.S. Navy SEALs Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley. This marks the eighth year of the Day of Service initiative, according to the organization's press release.
East Cobb News first reported the local cleanup on Aug. 31.
What to know
- When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. Volunteers may arrive at 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Marietta National Cemetery, 500 Washington Ave. NE, Marietta, GA 30060
- Cost: Free
- Register: CarryTheLoad.org/patriot-day
