Hundreds of arborists spruce up Fort Logan National Cemetery

DENVER (KDVR) — Over 300 landscape professionals and arborists from around the country spent Wednesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery: Planting, pruning, chipping and contributing to the cemetery's aesthetics.

It was all part of the 10th Annual Saluting Branches event. The volunteers were there to pay respect by doing what they do best.

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"(Ft. Logan Cemetery) are unable to address all the forestry and tree needs so we help. We provide the services that help fill that gap," said Luke Killoran, city of Lakewood forester and Saluting Branches organizer.

All the work done at the cemetery on Thursday, about $250,000 worth, was done free of charge.

"One of the primary values are companies building community. If we can give back to the veterans who serve us that would be a great way to do so," said Andrew Wintergerst from We Love Trees in Niwot.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, it was anything but silent for the next several hours as chainsaws, trucks and chippers filled the air with the sound of determination.

For volunteer Hunter Sondeen who was a medic in the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan, this day held special meaning for him.

"From 2010 to 2012 I was a combat medic and so just thinking about those guys and wanting them to have a beautiful place to rest," Sondeen said.

Mission accomplished.