Annual patriot’s cleaning day event brings double the volunteers

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — About seventy people took to Fargo National Cemetery to clean headstones. An annual event taking place on September 11th.

“It’s an honor. So, one of the reasons why we do it is to remember their name. Never let them live a second death. That these people meant something that their service meant something. And we continue to say their name and let their memory live on,” said Brandy Pyle, Fargo National Cemetery Volunteer Committee, Vice Chair.

Approximately 1,300 people are buried at the National Cemetery. Many of the buried are Vietnam veterans, World War 2 veterans, and twenty-five women veterans.

“This area is very patriotic, very veteran, and military oriented. And so this cemetery is a reflection of the western half of Minnesota, North Dakota, honoring those in the public service that people do and step up. It is our nature in the Midwest,” said Pyle.

This year marks the third year volunteers have taken their time to help clean at the cemetery. As a nationwide event, volunteers are working at more than 60 VA National Cemeteries across the nation.

“We certainly like to participate in events like this. It really benefits the cemetery. It gives the community an opportunity to come together in one purpose and serve together. And in these times, it’s very important to be active out doing that kind of thing,” said Jennifer Lieder, Fargo National Cemetery Manager.

This year’s group of volunteers had doubled last year’s numbers. And Pyle hopes those numbers will increase in the coming years.