Honor Those Who Served, With Your Own Hands
On one September morning, thousands of volunteers gather across the country to care for the places that hold our nation’s veterans. They arrive with saws, gloves, and gratitude, and by days’ end, cemeteries and memorials stand safer and more beautiful than they found them. This is Saluting Branches, and there is a place in it for you. Whether you’re interested in becoming a veteran cemetery volunteer or lending a hand at a memorial or other veteran property, you can learn more below.
What You’ll Be Doing
Volunteer projects vary by location but typically include:
- Pruning and maintaining trees so they stay healthy and safe
- Planting and mulching for the generations who will visit next
- Cleaning headstones to restore honor to a veteran’s resting place
- Clearing debris and overgrowth from the grounds
- Weeding, restoring, and beautifying the landscape
- Checking in volunteers and helping with registration
- Handing out T-shirts and event materials
- Setting up and serving meals, water, and snacks
- Greeting families and directing visitors
- Hauling brush, gathering tools, and keeping work areas safe
Every task contributes to creating safe, beautiful places where veterans and families can gather, reflect, and remember.
Who Can Volunteer?
We especially need arborists, climbers, ground crews, equipment operators, and other green industry professionals whose skills make the largest projects possible. If you work in tree care or landscaping, your expertise is invaluable on the day of service.
That said, you do not need to be an arborist to make a difference. There is meaningful work for everyone, whether you sign up as a veteran cemetery volunteer or choose to help at a memorial or other veteran property. From clearing debris and cleaning headstones to welcoming volunteers and keeping crews fed and hydrated, everyone can participate. Veterans, active-duty military, and community members are all part of the day.
How to Sign Up
Use our locations page to find a participating site near you and register for the National Day of Service. Registration typically opens on Memorial Day and remains available throughout the summer. Volunteers who register by the annual July 4th deadline will also receive a commemorative event T-shirt.
Ready to Lead a Local Event? Become a Site Leader
Site Leaders help coordinate and lead Saluting Branches events in their communities. They spend months working with property staff, recruiting volunteers, developing work plans, and coordinating logistics to ensure their location is ready for the National Day of Service. While it’s a significant responsibility, Saluting Branches provides training, resources, and ongoing support throughout the year to help Site Leaders succeed.
If you’re passionate about honoring veterans and bringing your community together through service, becoming a Site Leader is one of the most impactful ways to get involved.
Help Honor Veterans Through Service
Every tree planted, headstone cleaned, and landscape improved helps preserve places dedicated to the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Be part of a nationwide effort that creates a lasting impact in communities across the country.
