Events

Featured Events

Memorial May

Honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes through community events held nationwide throughout May

9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance

Remember and honor the heroes and victims of September 11th.

Veterans Day

Celebrate and thank those who have bravely served our nation.

Upcoming Events

Notice
There are no upcoming events.

See all events →
Engage With Us

Get Involved

Find an Event
Founders Brigade

Donate

Donation Hub
Donate by Mail
Donate Stock
Donor-Advised Fund
Employer Match

Support

Shop
Newsroom
Podcast

Honor a Hero

Share the story of a fallen hero or service member who has made an impact on your life.

Submit a Tribute

View Tribute Wall
About Us

About Us

Who We Are
Our Mission
Contact Us
Scholarship

Team

Our Team
Partners
Ambassadors
Founder’s Brigade

From the Newsroom

North Texas Mom and Army Veteran Surprised with Free HVAC System

Latest Story

CTL Opens Registration for Veterans Day 100K Meter Challenge

Recent Story

View All News
Shop

Featured, In the News

9/11 cleanup effort beautifies Little Rock National Cemetery

September 11, 2024

THV11 CBS Little Rock

By: Carter Thweatt

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, volunteers gathered at the Little Rock National Cemetery for the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

They picked up trash and cleaned the headstones of fallen heroes at the cemetery, which was first used to bury Union soldiers in 1866.

Two years later, it became a national cemetery, serving as the final resting place for service members and their loved ones for several generations.

“These are hallowed grounds,” Cemetery Foreman John Barnett said. “These are heroes buried here.”

That’s why people like Sarah Meeks gathered on Wednesday to remember heroes from 9/11 and other days of loss in American history.

“My father and several uncles are veterans,” Meeks said. “My dad was in the Marine Corps, so I think it’s really important for us to remember.”

And not just remember, but also give back.

Carry the Load, a nonprofit, and the National Cemetery Administration sponsored the event as volunteers spent the morning beautifying the cemetery.

Maybelline Redix from North Little Rock said when she remembers the sacrifices made on 9/11, spending a morning cleaning graves doesn’t seem all that bad.

“Individuals took the time to help us all out,” Redix said. “I think it’s very important that we take the time to give them the treatment they gave us. They’re so deserving.”

Barnett said he remembers well the uncertainty and tragedy of that day 23 years ago.

He also served in the National Guard, so for him, service like this means just a little more.

“To me, it’s personal,” Barnett said. “I remember it. I served afterward, and it does hit home for a lot of folks.”

He said that this was the second year the cemetery has hosted this event, and added that as long as there are heroes to be remembered, he expects it to continue in future years.

“Heroes don’t have to wear capes and they don’t have to win medals,” Barnett said. “Everybody that served, served in their capacity and did what they’re asked to do. That’s why we honor them.”

This cleanup wasn’t the only one happening Wednesday. Carry the Load sponsored 67 similar events at cemeteries nationwide.

View the full story here.

Support Our Mission

Help us honor and remember the sacrifices made by our military, first responders, and their families.

Featured Events

Memorial May

9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance

Veterans Day

Upcoming Events

One-Time Donation

Monthly Partnership

9/11 cleanup effort beautifies Little Rock National Cemetery

THV11 CBS Little Rock

Recent Articles

Calverton National Cemetery honors Sept. 11 victims 25 years later

Carry the Load event honoring veterans

Acts of service mark 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

Honoring 9/11 by cleaning up Camp Butler

Support Our Mission

Featured Events

Upcoming Events

Get Involved

Donate

Support

Honor a Hero

About Us

Team

From the Newsroom

One-Time Donation

Monthly Partnership

9/11 cleanup effort beautifies Little Rock National Cemetery

Recent Articles

Support Our Mission