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Volunteers clean gravestones, spruce up Northwoods National Cemetery to honor 9/11 victims

September 11, 2025

WJFW

By: Ryan Marinaro

HARSHAW, Wis. (WJFW) — Tragedy. Loss. Heartbreak.

For those who lived Sept. 11, 2001, those feelings still fresh on people’s minds. It is now served as remembrance, to never forget the sacrifices of first responders on that day.

It serves as a day of remembrance, togetherness and union.

On Thursday morning, Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw held its annual “Carry the Load” day, taking place every year on Sept. 11.

Volunteers come and are given jobs by an Air Force veteran of the Afghanistan war, Brion Gleisner. Tasks include cleaning the gravestones, picking weeds and installing turf, sprucing the cemetery up.

“By having individuals come out to Northwoods national cemetery, and to help do some work around here, it ensures that good has come from that evil act,” Gleisner said.

Glesiner wasn’t the only Afghanistan veteran at the cemetery today. Cody Smith is former Marine Sargent who lives in Green Bay but made the over two-hour drive to help with “Carry the Load”.

“I’m usually enthusiastic and excited about helping out any veteran I can, especially when it comes to a cemetery,” Smith said. “I feel like it’s a chance for me to actually give back to the people that actually lost their lives.”

Both veterans say having community support with events such as “Carry the Load” gives them a lot of hope.

Gleisner said: “I know when they come out, they’re responding to that call to do something good. To honor our veterans, and that to me is what it’s about.”

Watch the story here.

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