From staff reports
The Rotary Club of Beaufort partnered with the local “Saluting Branches” organization and AMVETS Post 70 to provide lunch, snacks, and water to nearly 40 volunteers from seven county tree trimming companies at Beaufort National Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
It was a day set aside nationwide for tree trimming experts to volunteer their services at nearly 100 veterans cemeteries. Locally, this was the second year for “Saluting Branches.”
Volunteers from AMVETS Post 70 provided the volunteers with breakfast and lunch; and the Rotary Club of Beaufort helped to pay for and serve the meals.
Master arborist Michael Murphy from Preservation Tree on Lady’s Island was the overall coordinator for the project.
The participating companies that donated equipment and had employees volunteer their services were Kolcum Tree Care, Southern Tree Care, Bartlett Tree Experts, Preservation Tree, Top Notch Tree Care, Tree Wise Men, and Arbor Nature – all from Beaufort County.
Nationwide, it is estimated that more than 4,000 tree trimmers will have volunteered their time at nearly 100 veterans cemeteries, with donated services worth approximately $4 million.
