That’s what it’s all about.
A number of authorities officers from Alabama are working to make it occur after a Huntsville man provided to carry his American flag lawnmower to Arlington Nationwide Cemetery, his approach of honoring the fallen women and men of our army.
For those who’re not acquainted with Rodney Smith Jr., he’s an unimaginable man. An immigrant from Bermuda who’s been in the US for over 20 years now, Smith is the founding father of Elevating Males Garden Care, a nonprofit group that not solely mows yards for the disabled and aged without cost, however empowers younger kids by providing them a free lawnmower and every thing they should begin their very own garden care enterprise after mowing 50 yards without cost.
To this point, the group has mowed over 15,000 yards throughout the nation. However Smith has his eye on one which he hasn’t been in a position to mow…but.
Smith is at present on a 50 state journey, mowing lawns for veterans, energetic obligation service members, Gold Star households and widows in each state throughout the nation. And yesterday, he turned to social media to ask the White Home to permit him to mow Arlington Nationwide Cemetery:
“Expensive White Home, I Know this can be a form shot, however My title is Rodney Smith Jr. I dwell in Huntsville, AL. I’m at present touring to all 50 states mowing lawns for veterans, energetic obligation service members, Gold Star households & widows. I’m additionally sharing their tales. That is my approach of honoring them.
As founding father of a nonprofit with 6,000+ youngsters mowing FREE lawns for the aged, disabled, single dad and mom & veterans nationwide, I’d be honored to carry my USA Flag Mower to mow on the Arlington Nationwide Cemetery the place veterans relaxation.”
You like to see it.
Effectively the White Home hasn’t publicly responded to Smith simply but, however they’re conscious of his request because of some assist from each United States Senators from Alabama, in addition to the state’s governor.
Senator Tommy Tuberville responded to the publish on X (previously Twitter):
“Rodney, thanks on your dedication and repair to honoring those that served our nation. Let’s make this occur.”
As did his fellow Senator Katie Britt, who provided her help in making it occur:
“Rodney, your story is really inspiring. Thanks for honoring our nation’s excellent service members, veterans, and their households. My staff is able to make this occur and elevate your mission.”
And Alabama Governor Kay Ivey additionally threw her help behind Smith’s mission:
“Rodney, thanks for exhibiting what it means to serve by honoring our veterans and army households. Alabama is proud to name you considered one of our personal, and I’m glad to cheer you on as you carry this mission ahead.”
Sadly the federal authorities shutdown may throw a wrench into his plans, however Smith supplied an replace at this time and he’s hopeful that it’s going to occur:
“Household, I simply need to take a second to thank everybody on your unimaginable help, messages, and encouragement as we’ve been making an attempt to make mowing at Arlington Nationwide Cemetery doable. I additionally need to thank my native Alabama leaders—our Senators, the Governor, and our Congressman—who personally reached out with calls and have even been in touch with the White Home. The White Home is now conscious of our publish and the mission we’re hoping to perform.
With the federal government shutdown taking place, issues are a bit unsure—it could occur quickly, later, or presumably in no way. I’ve allow them to know that if wanted, I can at all times full this 50-state tour first and return at a later date. I additionally talked about that if the White Home ever wanted a trim, it will be my honor to mow there as properly.
I simply wished to maintain everybody up to date. Thanks once more for standing with me at this time—it means greater than I can ever put into phrases. For now, I’ll preserve pushing ahead. I’ve received a protracted day of mowing forward as I close to the end line of this 50-state mowing tour for our heroes who’ve served this nation.”
And as he travels the nation, a number of corporations have stepped as much as assist Smith out on his journey, with Cracker Barrel and Steak ‘n Shake each providing free meals alongside the way in which:
You like to see it. For all of the damaging tales we see on a regular basis, that is what America is really about.
