Black History Forgotten Civil War Soldier

[@danvillebelle6977]

Thanks for another great video! Since discovering your channel last year, I have gained permission and have started clearing and cleaning veterans' stones in my small town's cemetery. Just cleaned one yesterday of a gentleman who paid the ultimate price in WWII, died in 1942. His stone had obviously never been touched in 80 years. It was my honor to clean it.

[@theyfaceeast]

OUTSTANDING! Be sure to visit his grave in two or three months to see how good the headstone looks after the cleaning agent has time to continue working on the small particles of biological growth remaining after you initially scrubbed it.

[@IN-D-YHN]

​@@theyfaceeastMan, we aint African NOR black blank bland bleak bleach blond Blanco blanc blackout bla bla bla Websters Dic, we be Indigenous American INDYHN; please do your research and STOP da Fuckery!!!!!!

[@JaiDPrez]

I really love that you provide background information on these people and the correct history of America. Thank you .

[@gcsugirl]

A very respectful video honoring our Black American veterans with history and dignity.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@theyfaceeast]

His veteran headstone became a window to see through his eyes what America looked like during the Civil War.

[@frankyouvon1427]

Thank you for showing me how to clean them safely.

[@theyfaceeast]

You're welcome. Please spread the word.

[@bonkey8644]

Sad that he died for a country that didn't even value his life. Thank you for what you are doing to bring recognition to the forgotten......

[@steven.h0629]

Thanks Trae.. 🤜💥🤛

[@theyfaceeast]

You're welcome Steven! Gearing up for Memorial Day 2022.

[@willieoakley2336]

God bless you who ever you are that clean that headstone 🇺🇸🙏👍

[@valerielewis6037]

Thank you!

[@troybagleynvrgu]

Since watching all your videos, I have "adopted" a cemetery in Levant,Maine and have started a project to clean and maintain all the the veteran stones there. I do have a couple videos so far. Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for the motivation to honor our veterans

[@theyfaceeast]

Troy this is great news that you've adopted a cemetery in Levant, Maine to clean veteran headstones there. One of my ancestors swam ashore in Maine in 1634. One of my distant family members just might be buried in that cemetery. I appreciate you letting me know, because I have no way of knowing for sure who is doing what. I just have faith Volunteers are answering the call.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

What an awesome story--thank you for providing the personal details of this soldier!! He is NOT unknown or forgotten now!!!!

[@theyfaceeast]

Each veteran grave holds a story in need of telling. Register as a Volunteer at VeteranGraves.com

[@desmondriddler6780]

Thank you for teaching me how to clean headstones, I drove 2 hours to clean my mothers headstone, and I would have used bleach if I had not seen your footage, we donot have the product you use in the UK but I found a headstone cleaners by HD, which works well, it is good that you tell of your history, here in the UK there are memorial to the USA airmen at most of the airfield they flew from, 1 near me has one for Glen Miller about his last show at the Kingscliffe air base, keep up the good work,

[@michaelgarbett4088]

Amazing work. Thank you for honoring and respecting black history

[@girlloveshistory]

This whole project you are doing is awesome. You seem to be a very interesting person.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you. I responded to your other comment on my video Humanizing Southerners. My mission is to bring all Americans together as one diverse people with the common denominator of Jesus Christ. That is how the United States was founded in 1607 at Jamestown before any African slaves were ever brought here by slave traders in 1619. Someday I will sit down with a group of Americans from all different backgrounds and have an open candid conversation about what divides us. My veteran headstone cleaning initiative began when a black man in charge of a segregated African American cemetery refused to help me gain permission to clean veteran headstones of black military veterans. I didn't notice what was happening on that first instance, but then the local City Councilman, also a black man, ignored my initiative to clean veteran headstones marking the graves of black veterans. That was weird. And then after having to put the situation on the local news, while cleaning all the veteran headstones of black veterans, a man walked up and asked how I was able to get permission to have all these volunteers in here working on the black veteran graves. He went on to tell me about the pushback he had received from the NAACP when he tried to replace the American flag and flag pole at the veterans section within the African America city cemetery. These three points of observations pointed to something significant, something unspoken in America, and someday I want that story to come out into the light. Bottom line, the black leaders in our community did not want those black military veterans honored with clean veteran headstones, a new flag pole, and a new American flag. Among the volunteers helping to clean veteran headstones were several African Americans, but I found it interesting they were all either veterans themselves, or parents of active duty members of our military. I believe there is something weird going on, but I won't know for sure until we have an open candid conversation. I clean them all.

[@tony12165]

Thank you, brother Veteran. Rest in peace for eternity

[@markw.4679]

I wish D/2 could be purchased at Home Depot or on Amazon!! My Dad, me, my 7 and 9 y/o spent this Memorial day cleaning seven of our ancestors headstones. It took about four wonderful hours together doing something rewarding. 🖖🇺🇦🙏

[@theyfaceeast]

I love your last sentence, "It took about four wonderful hours together doing something rewarding." You articulated the experience perfectly.

[@theyfaceeast]

D/2 Biological Solution is recognized by training historic preservationists as THE product to use, so D/2 occupies a unique premium niche in the market not congruent with retailers targeting residential consumers. I do agree I wish D/2 was readily available everywhere, but I can tell you the D/2 network of distributors do a fantastic job of fulfilling orders. I have added a hotlink on every webpage at ByMemorialDay.com to make it easy for Volunteers to purchase D/2. Use coupon code BMD at checkout to save 10%.

[@joisnor7906]

I came here to learn how to clean my parents’ stone (my dad a WWII veteran). I’m inspired to go forward with this. Thank you.

[@theyfaceeast]

I am happy to read your comment! Welcome.

[@Skywalker-u6c]

It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing , I’m a combat vet that wants to refresh the civil war and historical sign placards around the south

[@townstar1]

I wish I could find my grandfathers grave. He died in "Die Schlacht um Stalingrad".

[@JohnnyReb]

Most likely in an unmarked grave. IF he was ever buried at all.

[@kaycure8629]

So good to see another video from you! Can't wait to get back at cleaning veteran stones in the spring!

[@theyfaceeast]

I had to take a few months off to make some money to fund the movement to honor veterans of our past with clean headstones by Memorial Day. Someday Americans will make it a priority to clean veteran graves outside National Cemeteries and provide funding. Until then, I'll just keep plugging along as best I can while good folks like you join the cause by getting it done in your local cemeteries.

[@thomasheroux3146]

Thanks for all you do! God Bless

[@janecarolhogue3140]

Thank you for caring for the black soldier heroes 🙏🏻 also👍

[@theyfaceeast]

We care for them all, because each was willing to protect and defend at a cost up to and including their life.

[@Headstoneman]

Fantastic work Trae! Keep up the good work!

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[@carmaela2689]

May his soul rest in peace and eternal glory. Because of men like him, I get to be free. Thank you for remembering him and telling his story.

[@flyhru2645]

With a name like Honor your DNA . Celebrating black history, and actually cleaning an African Soldiers head stone is a very honorable thing ! I hope the human brotherly love keeps your path bright !

[@theyfaceeast]

I hope you listened at 8:39 where the Black Soldiers are told "where in the future your children's children will come on pilgrimages to do homage to the ashes of those who fell in this glorious struggle." Obviously that isn't happening.

[@flyhru2645]

@@theyfaceeast as amerikkka is still an uphill battle for racial equality, under sane circumstances I'm sure that tradition would have continued on .

[@atclfi3]

So glad to see another video. I recently discovered a private cemetery in the woods with 64 burials, 2 civil war veterans, in the area that I live in, in Iowa. I have been there once, and I cleaned 3 headstones, but did not clean the veteran ones. One is George Norris, an Irish born immigrant who served in the civil war until 1865. He is buried off by himself, in the back right corner of the cemetery. He has a headstone like the one you cleaned. It’s in good condition, but not black like this. It does need to be cleaned, and it does have a bronze civil war stick next to it. The next one is Thomas Clark. He does not have a veteran headstone and his needs to be badly cleaned. I think it’s time someone do that and put an American flag by each of their graves. Thanks for inspiring me to do things like this.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for getting involved The Music Man. You are a good man to help honor veterans of our past with respectfully clean headstones.

[@bendeco]

Thanks!

[@MrJosealfonsoperez]

Thank you for this genuine show of respect to a true American hero

[@petermurphy994]

God bless you sir I'm an englishman and I am personally touched by your devotion and respect for these fallen heroes you may not have realised it but by your simple actions you became one yourself may we all take a moment of reflection to remember those who fought to keep our way of life free. at the rising and the setting of the sun, we shall remember them.

[@helpingothers1741]

This was beautiful thank you 🖤🖤🖤

[@shannonspage9360]

Wow it looks as dignified as it should now. Thank you for showing everyone how fast and quick that job is. The service men and women that helped to give us the freedoms we have today deserve to have their flags flying. I live in Genesee County NY and a 269 acre national veterans cemetery has just been started, the 269 acres were provided by my In-laws. It’s was a great honor for them to be the providers of the land for the designated veterans cemetery, which will make available the final resting places for over 98,000 veterans and their spouses.

[@theyfaceeast]

Wow! Your family has created quite a legacy with that 269 acres.

[@christinefrett]

I'm planning to clean some family headstones and possibly just random stones with permission of course and with a friend soon. We are both super excited 😊🤗 to do this!!

[@charlieschaefer5911]

I recommend looking into drill brushes. I use them when detailing cars and it saves me from hours of work and a lot of energy. I would recommend looking into brushes that connect to power drills so you could get more work done if you don’t have enough ability to do this all the time

[@odditylocker]

I love this video and love your work! I've been doing this as a volunteer for almost 30 years and just stumbled upon others here on KZbin (and created my channel). Your videos are highly detailed and feature a great history narrative with a personal touch. Love your respect and passion in your work!

[@RudeGurl904]

You are so special! If nobody have told you! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@theyfaceeast]

Just doing what I believe God has asked me to do. But thank you for your kind words.

[@jayo3865]

I had a relative in the Civil War he's buried in Gettysburg Pennsylvania

[@scrapquilter1]

Happy to find your channel. I live in Savannah and drive through Laurel Grove cemetery. I will look for Jo's Williams headstone. I have learned so much from you

[@Uzuriuk]

Beautiful. A proper way to show respect to a Veteran. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@theyfaceeast]

I'm excited for others to experience what it feels like to honor a forgotten veteran by cleaning his/her veteran headstone by Memorial Day.

[@purabolea3744]

I am from the England and have travelled to France 🇫🇷 to see the war graves its very moving rows of pure white stones as far as you could see the guide told us look beyond the stone and see hansom young man in uniform all sons all gone for me and mine.

[@gregoryj.m.8985]

Thank you Trey...God Bless you sir.

[@helpingothers1741]

This is very deep to me I am mix I Kno all my white history but I am at a halt when it comes to my black history thank you for speaking what's been buried and forgotten because of the color of their skin you're a TRUE HERO

[@sgt.peterson4239]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO. I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE CLEANED OVER 180 MILITARY BRONZE MARKERS, IN THREE CEMETERIES LAST YEAR. I HAVE MANY MORE TO DO, I HAVE NOT COME ACROSS ANY CIVIL WAR, VETERANS . BUT I WILL CERTAINLY KEEP LOOKING FOR THEM. GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY. FROM ONE { V E T E R A N } TO ANOTHER { THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE }

[@theyfaceeast]

I appreciate you volunteering to help clean every veteran headstone by Memorial Day. Be sure to Register as a Volunteer at VeteranGraves.com to add Cemeteries and veteran Graves to the system.

[@sgt.peterson4239]

@@theyfaceeast So do u want me to go back to those cemeteries write down all the names & info of all the veteran markers that I cleaned? Let me know thank you.

[@Osmiculture]

Thank you for doing this. I have occasionally de-weeded areas in front of isolated WW2 memorial stones in my locality, but this reminds me of its importance.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for watching. There's a deeply seated reason why we've allowed our veteran headstones to fall into distress. I haven't been able to articulate it yet. But there is a reason why Americans just don't care enough about this issue to be willing to stand up for it. A clean headstone for a young man who gave his life for us is simply not a priority. I will keep trying.

[@1992djg]

Could you make a video about re-painting the lettering in these tombstones

[@mikej3187]

Incredible . The difference is amazing. Great product . I want to do this for my Great Grandpa's headstone. ✌️

[@anthonydm2947]

Thank you sir for all that you do. I watched your video when you were in NJ. Glad to hear my home state is involved. God bless you..

[@theyfaceeast]

The idea of cleaning veteran headstones is catching on slowly but surely. I scratch my head wondering why every federal, state, county, and city government elected official hasn't jumped onboard this movement to make veteran grave routine maintenance a priority.

[@RVGMInc]

Excellent Work!

[@meowMix03]

Exactly !!!!❤

[@jeannettetyler9038]

I really enjoy you videos as you give as you can about the soldier 🪖

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for your kind feedback. I enjoy trying to do my best even though I have no training in video production.

[@micdraper3768]

Thank you 🙏

[@michaeljclarelli8973]

I hope there's more videos coming soon

[@Curious-K]

Roger that… if our flag falls, you pick it up and then move forward. Sometimes the fear doesn’t go away and you have to do it, afraid. God bless the Great American Spirit.

[@theyfaceeast]

Amen Curious K

[@graceerhart5796]

True! What about Confederate headstones? I am doing research on the Chattahoochee, its a Confederate ship, and some of the graves are in bad shape, and some have no markers to clean!

[@theyfaceeast]

Confederate headstones are issued by the National Cemetery Administration. I have visited MANY Civil War sites, including Union prison camps where thousands of Southern men were killed on purpose by order of United States Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. At Fort Delaware Finn's Point National Cemetery you will find a historical marker stating the following: Toward Reconciliation On May 30, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic decorated Union and Confederate graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Thirty years later President William McKinley proclaimed: "The Union is once more the common altar of our love and loyalty, our devotion and sacrifice...Every soldier's grave made during our unfortunate Civil War is a tribute to American valor...in the spirit of fraternity we should share with you in the care of the graves of the Confederate soldiers." The Civil War today is viewed as Southerners having been evil less than human beings whose only purpose in life was to keep and expand slavery. Folks, let me tell you, slavery was the law of the land within the entire United States, North and South, documented crystal clear right there in our Constitution. 800,000 African Americans were enslaved by the NORTH during the entire Civil War until freed by the 13th Amendment in December 1865. That is 7 months AFTER the major Confederate armies had surrendered! When the 13th Amendment failed to pass in the United States House of Representatives in 1864, not a single Southerner from the Confederate States of America was involved in that vote where a two-thirds majority could not be achieved in Lincoln's Union North. I encourage anyone interested in the subject of Confederate graves to study historical facts for themselves and reach their own conclusion. Visit the battlefields at Gettysburg, PA and on the west side of town you will find Lincoln Cemetery. The historical marker reads: "Some thirty members of the US Colored Troops are buried here, having been denied burial in the National Cemetery because of segregation policies." The National Cemetery described on the marker is Gettysburg National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address.

[@JohnnyReb]

I can help!

[@kellydiver]

Thank you for these videos. I would like to get involved. I will start looking tomorrow for graves in Cincinnati in need of attention and will order supplies. This would be a great project for me in my retirement. Kelly Knox, Capt, USAF, Ret.

[@cherokeejohnson1682]

Kelly first, Thank you for your service to our country. I was thinking the same thing. I have retired after a 50 year nursing career. I need a project to make my self feel useful,again. Thank you sir for opening my eyes to such a need. Thank you for your service to our country, sir.

[@annehorstman6071]

Yes, I visited Manassas VA and several others. Very nice places.

[@ldhossler]

God Bless you, Sir, for educating us on this need. I want to help with this effort.

[@EmergencyGuy]

I visited Little Round Top, just outside of Gettysburg, and I visited the historic section of the city that includes the Jenny Wade House.

[@shante4954]

Thank you so much! Ive wanted to do this for a while but didn’t know how or if it’s possible. Im going to get busy this fall and spring!

[@Lunarphantom99]

Thanks

[@andrealopresti9408]

Enjoy your videos! Would love to see u post more content. U do such a great job!

[@Koakoa45]

My 2nd great grandfather was the last civil war soldier buried in Crown Hill National Cemetery in Indianapolis. Thankfully they keep the stones clean. I helped pay to have his wife moved and buried with him.

[@JohnnyReb]

That is very touching!

[@cowoperloperseathoper9068]

I need help!! I am a newbie to cleaning stones. Ive only tried cleaning 3 so far. Ive been very careful doing lots of research before i started. However so far ive only been able to use water and elbow greece to try and clean. What else can i use. I can not afford d2 or wet and forget as im a low income person on limited income but i want to do my part. Ive been able to remove alot of stuff however i can not get them looking white again or unstained. HELP!! I want to do my part in honoring our veterans

[@theyfaceeast]

Register as a Volunteer at VeteranGraves.com then send me a message via the Contact Us page. In the message, provide your name, address, phone number, and email address. I will send you the supplies you need. This is a team effort. Some donate money because they aren't able to physically clean the veteran headstones. I use that money to pay for the cleaning supplies for patriotic Americans like you who are willing to do the work. For the ones you've already cleaned with water, you probably got most of the filth off of them. For those you should be able to wet the stone with water, then spray it with D/2 Biological Solution, and walk away. Come back in a couple of months and those three stones should look fantastic. Then use the D/2 to scrub the next veteran headstones and keep going until you need me to send you some more supplies. God bless you for helping us clean every veteran headstone by Memorial Day.

[@deborahsmith7970]

Beautiful ❤

[@bendeco]

This is what I'd imagine a true BLM movement would do for its country.

[@georgeshaw8925]

God bless you Trae, I enjoy your research and insight into these American heroes. From a U.S. Navy veteran.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for the encouragement George Shaw. I am moved by the life stories of the men and women buried beneath these forgotten monuments marking sacred ground. Go Navy!

[@TheVetusMores]

This is the third (or fourth) video of yours that I've seen so far, and I can't stop watching. You have inspired me, Trae. God bless you! I have a few questions, as I now plan to commit to this noble activity in my area. 1. Are monuments older than Civil War era too fragile to scrub? Perhaps Wet-and-Forget would be best in that case? What about ones that are cracked? 2. I saw a product at a Cemetery Preservation Supply house called Mon-U-Mask. It's not meant to last forever, but preserve the finish until "next year's" scrub. Recommended, or avoid? Your passion for this endeavor is so inspirational. I am a veteran, so perhaps that helps drive it home for me. It's important work!

[@mikecastillo8747]

Thank you for an informative and interesting video!, your explanation and method is very helpful and easy to do. Please explain the process of obtaining permission to clean veterans headstones?

[@theyfaceeast]

I have a KZbin video for every aspect of cleaning veteran headstones. Watch my video How to Obtain Permission to Clean Veteran Headstones.

[@priceproduction5397]

Hi I'd like to speak with you I've begun this same project.

[@Rarestwarman]

I find it a bit sad to see no one will clean these. Like there are so many reasons to clean them, the main reason is to respect the hero who served their country and the second reason is that if they’re someone’s family they don’t know I think they would be sad If they found their great grandfathers grave has been disrespected.

[@RVGMInc]

Does anyone know where Trae has gone? I have been trying to reach out to him, but I am worried. I like his videos on Cleaning Headstones.

[@theyfaceeast]

Trae is still hanging in here. We lost our home and majority of belongings in Hurricane Ian flooding, so we've been tied up in recovery mode for the past 10 months. We are back in our house after living in our motorhome for 7 months in our front yard. House isn't finished yet, but comfortable enough to live in. I've also been blessed by God with plenty of work to pay for our losses, so between renovating our home and selling real estate, I haven't had much time to dedicate to promoting the perpetual care of veteran graves.

[@RVGMInc]

Sorry Shipmate., I was there last year, it was ugly. You are in my prayers.

[@pennydreadful8162]

Why don't you use a rubber scraper to scrape off moss, lichens, biological growth. My favorite part is wetting stone and gently scraping off growth. So satisfying. I'm going to find out how to get on registry for WV and VA. Big civil war areas. Thank you for taking care of our deceased veterans.

[@messagegoeshere741]

Plastis can cause possible damage (scratches). He uses wood scrapers when needed.

[@robertawilkes6531]

Wonderful

[@angelalaforest8631]

My father in law was a pearl harbor survivor, and my husband is a retired Marine My father in law's headstone is black granite, it needs cleaned bad. Can I use D2 to clean his stone Thank you for what you do!

[@theyfaceeast]

D/2 Biological Solution works on granite and marble. D/2 probably works on other types of natural stone, but I know it works on granite and marble. For other types of natural stone, inquire at d2bio.com

[@angelalaforest8631]

@@theyfaceeast thank you!

[@dougmerc4060]

Thank you for what you do sir. God bless! Can you use a garden sprayer with pump? you'll save a lot of water and money.

[@steveakersdrums]

Trae, when did you go from Wet and Forget to D2? Are they pretty much the same? Thanks for all you do... and your service.. I will start cleaning next week as soon as I get all my materials.

[@theyfaceeast]

I actually started with D/2 Biological Solution after consulting with a few people experienced in grave stone cleaning. Videos on KZbin about veteran headstone cleaning were non-existent. I found one video produced by Rusty Jenkins, a distributor for D/2, which was helpful. As my vision to clean every veteran headstone by Memorial Day became clearer, I focused on removing any and all obstacles existing between any patriotic volunteer will to clean a veteran's headstone and any filthy veteran headstone. One obstacle was cost. Not every volunteer has the wherewithal to pay $50 per gallon for D/2. Therefore, I sought out alternative cleaning agents. The following link will take you to the document that inaccurately started the D/2 craze as the best and only cleaning agent. Read the NCPTT document and you'll learn that D/2 was not listed as being the best and only cleaning agent for cleaning government-furnished veteran headstones. ncptt.nps.gov/blog/best-practice-recommendations-for-cleaning-government-issued-marble-headstones/ The NCPTT document lists a few cleaning agents by name including D/2 but if you continue reading it goes on to state "or other cleaners that contain quaternary ammonium compounds." While some truly believe D/2 is the only cleaning agent for headstones, they are in fact misquoting the NCPTT document. Not only did I desire a cleaning agent at a lower price point as compared to D/2, but an alternative lower cost product must contain quaternary ammonium compounds. Furthermore, I wanted the cleaning agent alternative to be readily available, easily obtained, and with a brand recognizable by consumer volunteers. That product is Wet & Forget. I requested that the National Cemetery Administration provide a product by name matching my criteria and I specifically asked if Wet & Forget met their criteria for a veteran headstone cleaning agent. When the National Cemetery Administration released their first ever best practices cleaning protocol for veteran headstones they added Wet & Forget by name in addition to D/2. I also lobbied for plain old H2O clean water as an approved cleaning agent and the protocol does in fact list water as a cleaning agent for veteran headstones. I use all three cleaning agents depending on the context in which I'm working in: D/2, Wet & Forget, or water.

[@steveakersdrums]

@@theyfaceeast Thank you sir..

[@anitaludovici2859]

D2 is more expensive but works so much quicker and much better in my opinion. I soak the heck out of the stone. I see some barely spray it to conserve. Not me. If I'm going to do this, I want to use the best and not worry what it cost. I've cleaned a lot of stones and I love it. So rewarding. Good luck and God Bless.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@anitaludovici2859 Amen Anita. Cost is the least thing to worry about when honoring a veteran of our past with a clean veteran headstones. We can't spend enough for what they gave for us.

[@angelicaferrell1957]

I wish I came across this channel before memorial day, but I am destined to be apart of this! At my grandfather's cemetery I noticed there were so many fallen soldiers headstones. I wanted to ask you a question. Once I go and speak to the township of this cemetery, can they confirm and tell me how many total fallen solders are laid to rest at this cemetery? There are a hand full of headstones that I can't get any legible lettering. I just don't want to forget anyone. Thank you and God bless you for shinning light on this.

[@theyfaceeast]

More than likely the cemetery stewards won't know the total number of military veterans buried within the cemetery. I'm sure there are some who can answer that question, but the vast majority will not, because the focus is not on veterans in hometown cemeteries. I think the main reason is simply turnover of cemetery staff over decades of time. One cemetery steward might know the answer, but the next to take over may not. In my experience, the cemetery steward who knew the location of burials died and took the knowledge with him without leaving any written records or mapping of the grounds. Then there's the problem with no all veterans having easily recognizable government-furnished veteran headstones. A large number of military veterans are buried with privately purchased headstones with no etchings indicating their military service. I find the research and discovery to be a rewarding endeavor, so just find out what the cemetery stewards know currently, work with what they've got, then take it to the next level based on your willingness to work at the project. For example, my city cemetery had no records of Civil War veteran graves. So, I walked the entire cemetery looking for males born 1810-1846 who would have been of military age 18-50 during the time period 1861-1865. I took photos of each headstone I found. I went home and spent a few days researching each man at Findagrave.com, Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, and Newspapers.com to determine if they served as a Confederate Soldier or Union Soldier during the Civil War. I documented each Civil War veteran including a map of the cemetery with each Civil War veteran grave marked by a number with an attached list of veterans.

[@angelicaferrell1957]

@@theyfaceeast Thank you so much I truly appreciate your reply. I will most definitely start the conversation and make my way to finding as much info as I can. I appreciate all that you do., and thank you for bringing this to our attention. This is such a huge moment in society to bring us all together for all the men and women who served our country. God bless you 😇

[@antonybryan9356]

Can you use this OK on stone gravestone with inlaid lead lettering ?

[@johnsimms858]

Thank you, sir! Some of the people there are my ancestors

[@atclfi3]

Trae, where do you buy the PVC pipe and American flags?

[@kaycure8629]

You can buy that pipe at any hardware store. Flags from Amazon. I pick up some at Dollar general. Don't forget the zip tie that keeps the flag from slipping down all the way in the pipe.

[@genesismurray6758]

I was just at Laurel Grove North this morning visiting “baby land” as I do often. Wondering how you get permission to clean stones there? I also seen some vet stones I want to clean. Do you call the office?

[@anitaludovici2859]

I want to start cleaning headstones. I've watched enough videos to know how to clean them. But every time I go to a cemetery, they usually say we have a company that cleans them. I thought about going from church to church asking if I could clean their stones. I'm in WV. Any suggestions on how to get someone let me get started.

[@cjtyler01]

I’m currently a part of the honor guard in the USAF and we are the ones who perform military honors for fallen veterans and active service members and it’s so cool to see people like you who continue to honor their memory even after everyone has forgotten.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for being a part of the honor guard. There are still many patriotic people in America. Caring for veteran headstones in perpetuity is simply something that fell through the cracks as we as a nation turned away from God, transitioned from burials to cremations, and embraced the temporary secular world. I believe we will eventually reach a sufficient number of Volunteers to clean every veteran headstone by Memorial Day. It's just going to take time for word to pass around.

[@ashleymitts]

Hello there Sir, sorry I don't know your name. Just thought I would tell you that I think it's easier to clean the headstone first by using a plastic scraper to scrap off the top layer of the moss and lichen. Then scrub it with the brush.

[@theyfaceeast]

I do scrape sometimes, but I use wood instead of plastic. The National Cemetery Administration specifically bans brushes with plastic bristles. If they feel plastic bristles are potentially damaging, then a stiff plastic scraper must have more potential of causing damage. I use wooden paint stir sticks and they work great.

[@robertwalsh8912]

In a previous video you said you always place the flag on the right side of the grave. Why did you place it on the left side for this man?

[@TheHauntedMansionArchive]

I believe he explained in one of his other videos as to why he placed it on the left.

[@HappierHeadstones]

@@TheHauntedMansionArchive He did.

[@HappierHeadstones]

In another video he explained that he researched further, after getting comments, and did determine that the flag belonged on the right of the soldier, not our right. So when we look at the grave the soldiers right is our left.

[@HappierHeadstones]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJOwpaClj7l6msk This is the video that answers your question.

[@tommyt1357]

Steve I have. A question what do I do and there was some one who was drafted or he has s in the miltary and douse not have a grave o

[@theyfaceeast]

The federal government via the National Cemetery Administration will provide a veteran headstone or grave marker at no cost as a benefit for all military veterans. Google veteran headstone application and you will find VA Form 40-1330. Read the instructions. I have ordered a few. Within the instructions included with the application form, you will find a section ASSISTANCE NEEDED where they provide a telephone number and email address to contact someone who can help you with the application.

[@tommyt1357]

@@theyfaceeast well i tlaked to some one and somtimes it to old and theres a vet who whos ina tour i am dowing and i would like to invite u

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Trae, to what length do you recommend cutting the pvc for flags? Thanks

[@theyfaceeast]

15 inches. 1/2 inch PVC pipe.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

@@theyfaceeast Thanks Trae

[@kathyclark9939]

Could you please provide the link to the page that you show to the cemetery where you're allowed to clean the veterans' stones please.

[@theyfaceeast]

www.cem.va.gov/hmm/cleaning.asp

[@theyfaceeast]

I have the link to the veteran headstone cleaning protocol available at ByMemorialDay.com on the ABOUT page.

[@GlamorousTitanic21]

I like to think that these soldiers are looking on from beyond and are happy that someone is showing their final resting place the respect they never truly got in life. Well done man.

[@theyfaceeast]

Excellent comment. In God's time. God has a plan.

[@courtneyshafer6537]

Hi! We have started doing this. And we have some headstones that have a heavy black moss/ growth that resembles what is on this headstone. And we are having trouble getting it off of the headstones. Do you have any tips?!

[@theyfaceeast]

Two ideas come to mind for heavy biological growth on veteran headstones. First, use a wooden paint stir stick to scrape off the bulk of growth before you start to scrub. Wet the material with water and keep it wet for at least ten minutes. The wetting will soften the material and make it easier to scrape off with the wooden paint stir stick. If you watch this video again, you will see me using one of these wooden paint stir sticks. Second, use Orvis horse soap, clean water, and a scrub brush to remove biological growth built up on the stone. Once you get the stone cleaned the best you can, give it another squirt coating of D/2 Biological Solution before you walk away and just leave the D/2 on the stone without rinsing. The D/2 will work on that biological growth over time along with wind, sun, and rain. Come back in six months and see how it looks!

[@danielcostner4106]

How do I get in contact with you?

[@theyfaceeast]

You can use the Contact page at ByMemorialDay.com or the Contact Us page at VeteranGraves.com

[@jamesharvey446]

Here is a real hero. I mean the man cleaning the stones.

[@DJ_TRON]

So the man that died wasn't?

[@blowurn0se]

Why has he stopped uploading ?!

[@frankisfunny2007]

He hasn't, but I'm sure he's either busy beyond this channel, or can't find a cemetery that he can't work on.

[@JohnnyReb]

4:24 "Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued." www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html

[@quincyspielberger4366]

We clean ours with a portable sand blaster. We use walnuts as the blasting media. It makes them look new but doesn't do any damage to the headstone. They looks new when we get done. If you don't have access to a media blaster this way seems at least make the marker legible again.

[@JohnnyReb]

You should never sandblast. D2 is the best cleaner for it. Sandblasting erodes the stone over time.

[@JohnnyReb]

2:25 Also buried in the same cemetery is another black man by the name of Moses Dallas. Moses Dallas: Confederate Naval Pilot/American Slave Moses Dallas was a lifelong slave whose final years were spent in an unconventional arrangement during America's most tragic period, whose strategic role in a daring raid resulted in his death. A native of Georgia, he was born in the early 1800s, one of at least seven children born to Robert and Grace Dallas of St. Mary's, Georgia, both of whom died about 1849. Virtually nothing about Moses' life is known until September 9, 1861 when he was hired for $60 a month as full-time Pilot in the Confederate States Navy by Flag Officer Josiah Tattnall. It is presumed Moses had served in this important nautical capacity in the years prior to the American Civil War, guiding passenger and cargo steamers through regional waterways and along the coast. During the war Moses served aboard the wooden steam-driven gunboats C.S.S. Savannah and C.S.S Isondiga, and the ironclad C.S.S Savannah, vessels belonging to the Savannah Squadron, a flotilla formed to protect Savannah, the Confederacy's second most important port, and the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Though a slave, his position as a Pilot had considerable responsibility, controlling the movements of a vessel, and when and where it could go. Pilots, including those that were slaves, were considered officers in the Confederate Navy and routinely were listed as such in official reports though the position carried no authority or included a commission. As Georgia prohibited Free Men of Color from the profession, its Black pilots were slaves often hired out by their owners. Moses's owner was Harriet Ann Jackson Elbert (1788-1865), of St. Mary's, widow of Lieutenant Samuel Elbert, U.S.N. (1779-1812), a son of former Georgia Governor Samuel Elbert (1740-1788). Not only did his owner allow Moses to keep all of his wages, he was free to represent himself in financial dealings with his war-time employer. In May 1863, in order to retain the skilled navigator, the Confederate Navy increased Moses's monthly pay from $80 to $100 with the comments: "He is a colored pilot, and is considered the best inland pilot on the coast." Harriet Elbert also granted Moses and his wife and their six children, the ability to reside in Savannah, where a home on five acres was rented on Bryan Street, on the other side of the canal just outside the city limits. With his earnings, Moses was able to purchase the freedom of his wife and daughter in January 1864. Harriet earned income as well from her laundry business and the sale of farm-raised products. Records suggest Moses and Harriet owned Edward Walden, a young slave whom Moses had enlisted as a landsman in the Confederate Navy, with whom Moses had an unusual arrangement that Walden's services could be used by Harriet when she needed them. Though isolated, the U.S.S. Water Witch maintained the Union blockade in Ossabaw Sound, and made for a tempting target by the Savannah Squadron. A daring plan was devised by Lieutenant Thomas P. Pelot, C.S.N., to raid and capture the side-wheeling gunboat, and utilize it as a decoy to capture other unsuspecting blockade vessels down the Georgia coast. Leading the bold expedition, Pelot had assembled a raiding party that included seven boats or barges and 115 men. At Pelot's request, Moses was secured as he would pilot the Water Witch once it was seized. About 2 A.M. of June 3, 1864, on a dark, rainy night, as the boats approached the Water Witch, a watchman on board spotted Pelot's boat and hailed for its identification. "Contrabands!" was the response given by Moses. When the watch hailed a second time, Moses again declared "Contrabands!" At this point Pelot yelled, "We're Rebels damn you!" The grappling hooks from Pelot's boat hooked into the boarding nets of the Water Witch, and the Confederate raiders began climbing up the side of the Union gunboat. As Moses's face appeared at the gun port opening, Assistant Paymaster Luther Billings of the Water Witch fired the contents of his pistol into the Confederate Navy pilot, whose lifeless body was later found in the bottom of Lieut. Thomas Pelot's boat. Billings also reportedly killed Pelot in the ensuing melee. Five raiders were killed and 3 wounded in their successful capture of the Water Witch. Of the casualties only Thomas Pelot and *Moses Dallas were specifically mentioned by name in a telegram sent to Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen R. Mallory. Moses's death even received mention in the report filed by a Union physician captured aboard the Water Witch: "They also lost their pilot, a colored man, whom they considered the best of their pilots for the Savannah River and vicinity, as well as the Ogeechee."* Once the corpse of Moses was prepared for burial, it was to be placed in a plain $30 pine box customary for deceased Confederate sailors. *However, in honor of his "distinguished and useful service" an imitation $100 mahogany coffin was specially ordered, and the body was sent to naval headquarters, where a hearse was hired to carry the remains to Laurel Grove Cemetery for burial on June 4th. In 1870 Savannah's Ladies Memorial Association paid $40 to erect a head and foot stone to mark Moses' grave. Harriet Dallas thanked the association for its efforts to memorialize her late husband.* Following Moses' death, the Widow Dallas continued her successful laundry business until December 21, 1864, when Sherman's troops occupied her rented Bryan Street property, establishing it as a headquarters for a Union officer. When Harriet informed the soldiers the house and property was hers, they did not believe her and prevented its use by the family for several weeks during the occupation. In 1872, testifying that she and her deceased husband were both sympathetic to the Union during the war and neither were connected to or employed by the Confederacy. Harriet filed a claim against the United States government for $987.50 in losses, primarily for the army's confiscation of her livestock and produce raised on the five acres. Three years later the case was settled and Harriet was awarded $192. ____ On findagrave there is original documentation for him stating "Confederate States Navy". I also recommend the book "Southern Service on Land and Sea" by Robert Watson who served aboard the same ship as Moses Dallas. Watson stated: "Also old Moses our Negro pilot was killed. These men belonged to our ship and their deaths are very much regretted by all the officers and crew for they were good and brave men." According to Watson Moses Dallas was laid to rest during a torrential rain storm.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Jj

[@flipbbookart6777]

hope ur okay

[@redriver6541]

Nobody cleaned his headstone..... Probably because they were virtue signaling on the internet.

[@theyfaceeast]

Probably

[@IlllllIlIIllIII]

or they don’t have time to clean some fucking headstone of a stranger that they don’t know ☠️☠️

[@nickvest415]

​@@theyfaceeast I'd help you guys if your willing to pay me

[@livchopps]

Thanks for cleaning the headstone! Where is BLM? Why arent they doing this?

[@JohnnyReb]

Because BLM only serves to enrich themselves. BLM doesn't care. But then again why does this have to be a race issue. If you got a problem with the idea of old headstones being dirty then I suggest cleaning some. Only with permission and D2 of course though.

[@nathantj594]

I know you’re trying to be respectful, but do you really have to be using gallons of single use plastic spring water to clean? You’re using a lot of water, maybe refill a container each time and clean it out. Too much plastic waste

[@theyfaceeast]

I use the same gallon jugs over, and over, and over. So no, there's not too much plastic waste.

[@Dontworryboutit315]

The term African American would work better than just saying blacks. Might as well say coloreds if you’re going that route

[@surtu9221]

I have to imagine you don't have many black friends, and are clinging to some random news broadcast you watched over the past fifty years, because the present politically correct situation in the USA is 'African American' 'Black' and 'Brown' are all acceptable, but 'colored' is going to get you punched in the mouth.

[@meatballg8655]

you go to any other country in the world saying black is perfectly normal, its only you americans that insist on calling them african american, which can be objectively wrong if they weren't actually american and just moved there. potato potahto, there is nothing wrong with either of them

[@warc8us]

what a weird comment to make on such a video. are you implying that this guy is racist or bigoted? The guy sweating it out cleaning Civil War gravestones of the first black men in America who served in uniform? If he's a racist then there's no hope for any of us.

[@tony12165]

The "Veteran" is being honored here. I see no color. Just a brother war Vet.

[@SaveTheBestForU]

Are you a fucking idiot? Black people prefer to be called black people. They themselves have no connection to Africa, just as white people in America personally have no connection to Europe. You don’t have black English people wanting to be called African-English or black French people to be called African-French. They are just black. You do more harm than good talking like that.