Arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts offices across the U.S. donate a day of tree work each September to honor America’s military service men and women during the Saluting Branches Day of Service. Photo courtesy of Bartlett Tree Experts.

More than 16 million people in the United States have served our nation in the armed forces. Whatever task assigned to our veterans, whether across the country or around the world, they went and they served. They left their homes. They left their jobs. They left their families. These men and women took on the fears, the risks and the challenges of their times. Their sacrifices extended far beyond the front lines.

Their commitment to our country deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. At the very least, our veterans deserve a beautiful, safe and respectful environment – particularly while receiving medical care and in their final resting places.

National day of service

Saluting Branches was founded in 2015 by a group of arborists in Minnesota. The group recognizes the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans. Each year, in partnership with thousands of tree care companies, volunteers and sponsors, Saluting Branches holds a National Day of Service to provide tree and landscape services at more than 100 veteran-dedicated properties across the United States. These properties include national cemeteries and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, medical centers, clinics and nursing homes. Arborists, tree climbers and other professionals work together to prune, plant and care for trees, ensuring their longevity and health.

Organizers and volunteers embrace this opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude and appreciation for all that our nation’s veterans and their families have endured.

Our mission

We honor American service men and women by organizing volunteer tree and landscape care for the properties dedicated to our veterans.

Our dedicated volunteer committees work year-round in support of Saluting Branches’ mission. Fundraising and sponsorship committees secure the crucial funds needed to maintain our website, database and marketing efforts. Our outreach groups help expand our connections to arborists, volunteers and veteran organizations. Enrollment, logistics and communications folks bring all the pieces together for the annual day of service. There are opportunities for everyone to lend a hand and make a meaningful contribution.

Of all our volunteers, our site leaders deserve special recognition for their invaluable contributions. They play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our volunteer events. They provide guidance, coordination and leadership on the ground, ensuring that all tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Their dedication and expertise help to organize and oversee the tree and landscape care activities at each location, ultimately contributing to the overall impact of our mission. Without their leadership and commitment, our volunteer events would not be possible.

A decade of dedication

We are proud to commemorate 10 years of dedication to honoring our nation’s veterans. This year, Saluting Branches National Day of Service is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2024. We can make our 10th year our most impactful year yet. Together, we can reach our goal of uniting to provide $4.5 million in donated services at 100 veteran properties spanning all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

How to get involved

We are immensely grateful for the generosity and support of all our contributors, whose collective efforts enable us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and their families. We deeply appreciate every contribution, no matter the size. From individual donors who give what they can to support our cause to large corporations that provide significant financial backing, every contribution plays a vital role in advancing our mission.

As we march forward, let us unite to ensure that Saluting Branches continues to thrive and honor our veterans for generations to come. Please consider how you can contribute to, or participate in, this year’s event. To learn how, visit www.salutingbranches.org.

Renee Bissett is president of Saluting Branches and marketing communications coordinator with ACRT Inc., a 39-year TCIA member company based in Stow, Ohio.