Volunteers honor veterans through cleanup of New Kensington cemetery

A Civil War veteran received a new grave marker as volunteers from throughout the region gathered to clean up a New Kensington cemetery Sunday.

The cemetery belongs to United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington and is outside Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church. Veterans from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam are among those buried there, said Tim Beckes, owner of Senior Helpers, which organized the cleanup.

In addition to Senior Helpers, volunteers from Veterans First, the Junior ROTC program at the New Kensington-Arnold School District, the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners softball team and both churches turned out to help clean headstones and trim grass, trees and shrubs.

United Presbyterian was formed in 1973 by the merger of three congregations — Parnassus, which is now Logan’s Ferry Presbyterian; Westminster United; and First Presbyterian.

The church has a contractor that tends to the cemetery’s basic needs. But the regular maintenance crews doesn’t do the kind of work that was performed Sunday, said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Becca Siddle.

“This is wonderful,” Siddle said, while working herself. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Beckes said the event was put together for the first time in recognition of Veterans Day on Tuesday.

“Churches don’t have the money they used to,” Beckes said. “It’s hard to keep up.”

Between 18 and 20 headstones in need of cleaning were targeted. The biological solution D/2, which removes stains from mold, mildew, algae, lichens and air pollutants, was used. Beckes noted that D/2 is used at Arlington National Cemetery. Worn flags were replaced.

“You’re here to honor those folks who built the country and kept the country what it is,” Beckes told the 60 to 70 volunteers before they broke into groups and got started.

Michelle Albert, with Senior Helpers, and her nephew, Maxx Vucish, both from New Alexandria, worked together on the headstone of Walter Shearer. Hie headstone says he was killed in action at Bethancourt, France, on Sept. 28, 1918, in the latter weeks of combat in World War I.

“It’s humbling, really,” Albert said.

Chris Otto of Hopewell was there with his daughter, Brooke, 13, a player with the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners, a softball team. While she cleaned headstones, he was trimming with a weed whacker.

“Not enough attention is given to those who are gone,” he said. “I love doing this type of stuff.”

The marker for Plum Civil War veteran James A. Ross, who was 81 when he died June 10, 1924, was broken and faded. While it could not be done for all of the veterans buried there, Beckes said Ross was chosen to receive the new marker.

Beckes said he was able to make out Ross’ name and confirm his information in the church’s records. His brother, Samuel Ross, also served in the Civil War and is buried nearby.

“I think he and his family will also appreciate it,” Beckes said.

The cleaning solution that was used will keep the headstones clear for a few years, Beckes said.

“When you drive by here, think of what you’ve done here today,” he said.

The cleanup also became something of a learning opportunity, as the kids participating asked questions about the veterans buried there and where and when they had served, Beckes said.

The first-time effort went so well that Beckes said he’d like to do it once a year, selecting a cemetery in need of help.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” he said.