By: Ryan Gilroy ’19 staff writer 

Students and staff from LVC gathered at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 26,  to remove wreaths that were placed on gravestones in December. 

Hundreds of volunteers took time to remove the 53,000 wreaths placed at the cemetery last month. Indiantown Gap was one of the 1,400 locations listed as part of the annual Wreaths Across America program. 

“I decided to serve at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery because I believe that serving my community is an important part of being an American citizen,” Kristen Kelsall, a senior chemistry major, said. “It is always nice when a larger community comes together with a common goal.” 

The event, nicknamed Operation Clean Sweep, started at 8 a.m. and lasted until noon. Volunteers removed wreaths placed on each gravestone and waited for trucks to come by to pick them up.

“Both active military and veterans are American heroes,” Kelsall said. “They should be celebrated every day not just on holidays. Remembering them daily is very important.”  

While volunteers came together for their own personal reasons, they do not forget the main reason why they go: to serve those who have served for them.  

“As a kid, you’re often told to treat others the way you want to be treated,” Kelsall, said. “This should remain true. Our veterans served for us and it is our duty to serve them.” 

The service opportunity was offered to students and staff through Redbook.