The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Honors America's Veterans and Fallen Soldiers Through Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery

HERNDON, Va., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, July 9, 2012, members of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the international association of lawn care and landscape professionals, will work to preserve the landscape at Arlington National Cemetery through the 16th annual Renewal & Remembrance beautification project. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120618/PH25719 )

Each year, Renewal & Remembrance draws hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals to enhance the beauty of Arlington National Cemetery by spending the day mulching, pruning, aerating, planting, liming, and cabling trees with lightning protection on more than 150 acres.  Known for its rolling green hills and majestic trees, Arlington National Cemetery's impressive landscape serves as tribute to the service and sacrifice of those laid to rest within its hallowed grounds.

"PLANET and its members are proud to honor America's veterans and heroes during this day of service," said Norman Goldenberg, Landscape Industry Certified Technician and president of PLANET.  "Now in its 16th year, this event has always been an opportunity for our members to show their pride, dedication, and patriotism by caring for a place that honors our soldiers. We strongly believe it is our duty to apply our professional passion for landscaping and lawn care and dedicate it to our country."

Many PLANET members bring their children to Renewal & Remembrance, and these children, between the ages of 3 and 12, will participate in a special program where they plant perennials on the cemetery grounds and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Through the 2nd annual Renewal & Remembrance essay contest, two of the older children will be selected to help lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Their essays will be about why they feel Arlington National Cemetery is so important to the United States, and why he or she should be chosen to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"As a military veteran and landscape professional, it means a great deal to me that I can contribute in an effort that honors our veterans' memory and sacrifice by keeping Arlington's National Cemetery beautiful," said Tim Price, PLANET member and Iraq War veteran. "Many of us have personal connections to Arlington National Cemetery through our own military service or through friends or family members laid to rest here."

Renewal & Remembrance Facts

• Since its inception, Renewal & Remembrance has contributed more than $2 million to the care of our historic landmark.
• In 2011, approximately 400 adults representing more than 100 companies and 50 children participated in this time-honored event.
• This year PLANET members will install lightning protection for seven of Arlington National Cemetery's time-honored trees in additional to liming and aerating and irrigation projects.
• Last year PLANET members applied 120 tons of lime to 271 acres and aerated 30 acres of turf. 

New Holland Construction is Renewal & Remembrance's Platinum Sponsor.

While Renewal & Remembrance is the largest green industry day of service in the country, green industry professionals support America's troops year-round. GreenCare for Troops, an ongoing, nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen, connects PLANET members and other green industry professionals with military families that have a member serving overseas.  Volunteers provide free lawn and landscape services for thousands of military families nationwide.

About PLANET: The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is an association representing more than 100,000 lawn and landscape professionals in the United States and Canada. PLANET member firms provide a wide range of landscape, lawn care, tree care, irrigation and water management, and interior plantscape services, including consultation, design, installation, and maintenance. PLANET members are dedicated to improving the environment through public service projects and responsible stewardship. PLANET promotes professionalism in the industry by providing continuing education, legislative advocacy, and administering the professional certification known as Landscape Industry Certified. For more information about PLANET, visit LandcareNetwork.org.

SOURCE Professional Landcare Network