Can you imagine Arlington National Cemetery without turf or trees?
Scott Jamieson posed that question on July 20 during his opening remarks at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Renewal & Remembrance event in Washington, D.C. Jamieson, vice president of Bartlett Tree Experts, is president of NALP.
What would Arlington—or any memorial site—be without the care of landscape professionals and “turf that softens the footfall of grief” or “trees that stand as silent sentinels?”
Jamieson preached to a choir of about 400 landscape industry volunteers from 25 states who came to Arlington to spread lime and gypsum, aerate, install lightning protection and repair irrigation systems—and pay their respects to the nation’s fallen.
The landscape professionals made improvements to more than 200 of the cemetery’s 624 acres at this 19th annual event.
One of those volunteers was Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).
Ayotte, whose husband Joe Daly is a landscape contractor and an NALP member, addressed the group during the dedication ceremony.
“Without those buried here, we wouldn’t have the ability to sit and enjoy the greatest country on earth,” she said during her keynote. “Let’s not forget there are still those who are serving in very dangerous places. Let’s think about them and pray for their safe return.”
Later, before she joined Team Republic to aerate Arlington’s sections 52 and 53, Ayotte said she appreciated the service being provided by NALP members, calling it “meaningful.”
“I’m looking forward to working in the field with my constituents from Lawn Dawg,” she said, referring to the Nashua, N.H.-based company that brought 17 team members to Renewal & Remembrance.
Following the event, Paul Wade, New Holland’s marketing manager for construction, said he felt a sense of duty while working on the historic grounds.
“For their sacrifices, the least we can do is help manicure and maintain the grounds,” he said.
