Beaufort Volunteers Transform Cemetery Grounds for Veterans
BEAUFORT — On a pleasantly cloudy morning that felt like a gift from the weather gods, over two dozen volunteer arborists gathered near dawn at Beaufort National Cemetery. They were there to roll up their sleeves and get to work on a mission: to beautify the cemetery that honors our beloved veterans. With mild temperatures and a refreshing breeze, the conditions couldn’t have been more perfect for a day dedicated to tree care.
This yearly gathering is part of the Saluting Branches National Day of Service, a heartwarming initiative that has been bringing together arborists since 2015, when it kicked off in Minnesota. Now, this event is a nationwide effort, with teams showing up to provide valuable tree care at national cemeteries across the country.
A Giving Spirit Abounds
Coordinated by master arborist Michael Murphy, the day saw teams from seven local tree-care companies join forces to pay tribute to those who served our nation. “Everyone here gave so much to our country,” Murphy explained. “It’s a way for arborists to give a little bit back to the veterans.” This specific day of service marked the third year that Beaufort National Cemetery participated in the program, and it’s clear both the volunteers and cemetery staff look forward to it with great anticipation.
On this day, the elves of the arborist community were out to work on everything from tall, elegant palm trees to majestic live oaks adorned with Spanish moss. Michael Brophy, the cemetery’s assistant director, shared how important these trees are to the overall beauty and character of the grounds. “Having the agronomist community volunteer their time and services once a year to assist is something that we value and appreciate immensely,” he said.
Behind the Scenes Planning
Months prior to this day, Murphy walked the cemetery alongside staff to assess the trees needing attention. While most landscaping budgets prioritize the ground-level views, there often isn’t much left for the trees, which is where the volunteers come in. Murphy noted, “The grounds here are perfect. Most arborists’ lawns look awful, but their trees are amazing.”
With a clear set of goals, Murphy reached out to local tree-care companies to gather volunteers. One of the eager participants was Michael Kolcun, owning Kolcun Tree Care, who has been involved for the last three years. “These trees are absolutely magnificent,” he remarked, adding a note of humility to the experience.
A Day of Hands-On Activities
This year, one of the main goals was to trim the tall palm trees lining the cemetery’s main drive—a key photo sightline that enhances its beauty. Brophy emphasized the value of maintaining those palms, saying, “Getting those palms trimmed every year is a great value to us.” Additionally, pruning the live oaks was necessary to ensure safety for visitors, and one oak needed to be removed entirely.
Not far behind, a group of volunteers traveled from Lexington, showing their solidarity. This trio of military veterans pitched in, inspired by the spirit of camaraderie that defines the Saluting Branches program. Their journey to Beaufort highlighted the event’s reach, as 2024 marked the first time that Saluting Branches has accomplished having a service event in every single state.
Looking Forward
Over the years, Saluting Branches has expanded significantly, growing from 15 events in its initial year to an impressive 96 this year, with more than 4,000 volunteers contributing across the U.S. They’re now extending their efforts beyond just cemeteries to include medical centers, nursing homes, and various war memorials. However, Babette Hurt, spokesperson for Saluting Branches, emphasized a cautious approach to growth, ensuring that the program can sustain itself for future generations.
Even after three fruitful years at Beaufort National Cemetery, Murphy noted that there’s still plenty of work to be done. “It’s one of the more beautiful cemeteries in the country,” he said, with the stunning live oaks and the lush scenery always calling for attention. With such an ongoing list of projects, there’s no doubt this remarkable initiative will return next year, and for many years to come, continuing to bring beauty and honor to those who have served.
