How to Clean Veteran Marble Grave Markers by Memorial Day

[@kieralinenfelser5097]

He turned 20 in combat. He died 4 days after his birthday. That’s so incredibly sad

[@jorgeismaelgarcia291]

That's what I said

[@vinipcplayer]

heroes might have sad stories

[@clintwestwood1895]

This young man was not even old enough to buy a Beer today, yet he gave his life for our Freedom. Rest in peace brother James I Thomas.

[@reno145]

My uncle died on August 4, 1944, two and a half months after he turned 19. Buried in Normandy.

[@jorgeismaelgarcia291]

@@vinipcplayer I agree

[@wren214]

I took the overgrown grass off my grandfathers grave markers a few weeks ago. Going to go and clean it and my grandparents headstone soon.

[@theyfaceeast]

For those of us who believe, they are not dead, only sleeping, awaiting a glorious resurrection. How can we truly believe in eternal life, knowing full well we will meet them in heaven soon enough, while at the same time allowing their grave markers to be covered in filth? I believe your grandparents are aware of your respect for them.

[@RandomJ2023]

@@theyfaceeast indeed.

[@heidivalli87]

That’s sweet of you

[@cont8155]

Wat a waste of time and energy lul

[@100hyun]

@Todd Blanard okay todd who asked?

[@DarioHF]

20 years... so young, but he felt the duty of defending his country in the war. I'm not from USA but I respect those warriors who went to war to protect their land.

[@natospysanchez8938]

I respect all men that fight for their country and what they believe in

[@empat8052]

how they protected their land when they fighted in Europe?

[@JOJOCRASHOUT]

@@empat8052 fought

[@notchs0son]

He was killed 4 days after his 21st birthday. It’s tragic.

[@notchs0son]

@@JOJOCRASHOUT it’s both bcs we still have soldiers.

[@ygorschuma3059]

He died 4 days after his 20th birthday, as someone his age, mad respects for him, and many others who died fighting for what they believed in, in either side.

[@theyfaceeast]

And in most cases, what they believed in was simply standing in harms way for the country they considered to be their sovereign, their home.

[@LordHizaki]

He was still a kid when he died..... he only spent 20 years on this earth, and he gave his life for it. God rest this hero.

[@theyfaceeast]

His video will surpass 1,000,000 views within the next 48 hours, so his sacrifice is touching many lives all these years later. God has a plan.

[@Faddidaddi]

Respect from a non-American for the brave young man who sacrificed his own life for his country, and respect for this KZbinr for what he has done! Edit: is doing.. check his other videos.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for recommending my videos!

[@vintagebrew1057]

When a grave is placed in a non-military cemetary, it falls upon the relatives to maintain the graves.Parents may have passed on or the grave is unknown to other relatives. The "Friends" of our local disused cemetary park found several British WW1 graves beneath the years of undergrowth. These have been researched, cleaned and restored. It was wonderful that children from the local school visited and placed flowers on the graves. More importantly, some of the soldiers decendants have been re-united with their heritage. Thank You for your respect and care for this young man's memorial stone. "Lest We Forget"

[@RosiePosie-db6lb]

4 days after his 20th birthday. That's very sad to think about. Thank you for cleaning his grave.

[@theyfaceeast]

It was an honor to clean his grave marker. God has a plan. This video has reached more people than any of my other 48 videos, and it wasn't a plan to shoot this video. I had spent all morning shooting a different video a few rows away. I found James Thomas later while I was walking the cemetery preparing to treat all the veteran stones. I couldn't not clean him up, so I set up my camera and hit record.

[@RosiePosie-db6lb]

@@theyfaceeast You are an amazing person for doing what you do. I enjoyed watching the video and listening to what you had to say. God bless you, sir

[@andypatton8585]

Did some research on this veteran....the 9th did indeed land in Normandy at Utah Beach, but June 10th. ( d+4) at his date of death he must have died at battle of Saint Lo. Thank you to all our veterans. I miss talking to my grandfather that fought in Europe during ww2, 84th infantry.

[@matthewfurlani8647]

Thanks for doing some research on it

[@oreliebrochet5082]

I studied in Saint lo, it's sad to think that people died there

[@GorditoConCapa]

20 years only. He died 4 days after his birthday. It makes me so sad. Thanks for taking care of this young man grave

[@atrinoch7437]

Died fighting just 4 days after his 20th birthday. I can’t imagine how he felt then, but I know for sure he bravely gave his life and died with honor defending the freedoms of others. God rest your soul, James Thomas. Happy Birthday

[@tak3nshadow]

Happy birthday James Thomas!

[@daviesmith6634]

Thank you for posting this video. James Isaiah Thomas is my 3rd cousin, twice removed. He is the youngest of eight children, all of whom are now deceased, born to Sherod and Mary Jane (Dixon). James was born in Bradford, Fl, and his father passed away in 1932, when James was just 8. James registered for the draft on December 16, 1942 at the age of 18, while living in Redding, CA, and enlisted in May, of 1943, into a medical unit of the 9th Infantry Division. He died in Normandy just 4 days after his 20th birthday, on foreign soil, far, far away from home. On September 24, 1948, last rites and a graveside ceremony were conducted in his honor, with his mother and several siblings in attendence. How many other unsung verteran heroes, just like James, are being forgotten, having been carelessly thrown to the ash-heaps of history.

[@rishibeauty8889]

When I was 20, I had just enlisted as a medic in the US Air Force, during Desert Storm, 50+ years after he died. thank you, James, for your sacrifice. Thank you for cleaning these stones. I only hope that when I am gone someone cares for me like this.

[@anthonyb3155]

As a veteran I’ve wasted so many years just going to eat food for free and not even thinking about doing something like this! Thank you for sharing this information. I think I’m going to start cleaning some every month.

[@ThatOneChamber]

Its like my grandfather always used to say: "Noone survives the war. The difference is if the body survives or not. But everybody dies. Inside or outside. There are no survivors. Never."

[@alelopez6514]

Although I am truly grateful for every veteran and anyone who has served our country, it still saddens me that James Thomas had just turned 20 years of age. May they all Rest In Peace, thank you🕊

[@BrandonRideout135]

This guy wasnt a man he was a kid. He died 4 days after his 20th birthday. Sad but very brave. Im 24 and i cant imagine what this man went through Happy birthday James

[@gregkrueger331]

20 year olds during that time were more mentality grown than 30 year olds today.

[@BrandonRideout135]

@@gregkrueger331 i mean youre probably right but still sad

[@alfad9248]

That was the grave marker for a 20y.o. veteran. Such a young age. 🥺

[@Jaketheaxman]

Not young for a WWII soldier though

[@Vataleon]

@@Jaketheaxman wtf do you mean it literally says WWII idiot

[@MistressKhaos]

@@Vataleon He means that there were many that were younger than 20 in WWII. My Grandfather was 17 or 18 when he joined. He hadn't even completed high school yet and didn't get his diploma until years after he passed away in 1994 when my mother applied for it.

[@MegaBigdaddy1998]

Poor guy, died 4 days after his 20th birthday. Thank you for your service young man and rest in paradise

[@JuricksEnterprise]

D/2 Biological Solution is the ultimate in cleaning stone grave markers! I cleaned my grandparents and great-grandparents graves 4 years ago, when they had black mold obscuring most of the writing and as of last summer, they are still clean. I just apply a spray coating of D/2 each year when I am in my hometown visiting the family plot. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to restore and maintain their family graves!

[@paulastephenson1862]

This kid died two days after his 20th birthday. Thank him for his sacrifice and thank you for the respect you've brought to his final resting place.

[@williamnaquin7593]

Not to be rude but he died 4 days after Aug 2

[@jmcvay2k6]

Just did an ancestry check. This is my wife’s maternal great grandfather’s 5th cousin. Shows his nickname was Buster. I love what you’re doing for these honorable men and women. 💜

[@4Noirr_]

Stop lying lol

[@4Noirr_]

@Luft good doggie now roll over

[@pegfrompetaluma3694]

Four days into being only twenty years old. Thank you James from Florida for your service

[@wprweb]

9th Infantry Division - Old Reliables. The headstone is from a fallen brother from the same division I served in at Ft Lewis. The 9th was active from the late forties to the beginning of the sixties when it was deactivated before being reactivated again in the mid seventies until the first part of the nineties when it was deactivated once again. I wore a unit award because of this man's (and others like him in the division) service. Thank you for taking care of his final rest.

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

Visiting graves, I found one that was easily missed. All you could make out was two letters, the rest of the headstone was buried in the dirt. I spent fifteen minutes uncovering it by hand, as I didn't have any tools with me. The poor kid that was forgotten died at the age I am now, 23. I took a photo so that I can leave a flower when visiting my ancestors. I don't know him and can't find anything on him, but maybe if I honor him, he can be happy in the afterlife that at least one stranger cares. If anyone knows an R. Eugene Brown who lived from 1960-1983, I'd love to know more about him. He's buried in a Moline, Illinois graveyard. I passed him for years without knowing his grave was there.

[@Auchura825]

That’s very thoughtful of you 😁

[@ThatweirdEMTnerd]

This poor guy had JUST turned 20 years old. May his soul rest in peace, thank you for your service James.

[@lizzysimon6146]

I truly appreciate you cleaning this grave, I'm not in that family but for you to take time out of your day and go through all the work to clean it shows that there is still good in the world and for that I thank you❤️

[@theyfaceeast]

I have had the honor of meeting many Volunteers who clean veteran headstones out of the goodness of their hearts. The best people, absolutely wonderful people, show up to veteran headstone cleaning events.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

My son and I recently began cleaning the markers off of children's graves that haven't been maintained. It is very sad, but very rewarding emotionally.

[@theyfaceeast]

It certainly is very rewarding emotionally. I've had many volunteers tell me cleaning veteran headstones is the most meaningful thing they've ever done in their life.

[@jaydenminyard5168]

64 dislikes? Why? What has this video done to deserve that? This man is doing nothing but positive things. God bless you sir, everyone here at fort lee admires people like you.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for your supportive comment. I hope you will Register as a Volunteer at VeteranGraves.com and rally good folks in your community to document and care for veteran graves in your local cemeteries.

[@sayu8250]

Damn he died few days after his birthday and he was only 20yo May this person rest in peace Ps:respect!!!!! You're such a great person

[@daltondick5223]

The spirits of those graves watch in joy when people do this I just know it! I know that he would appreciate you cleaning his stone!

[@garylangley4502]

James Thomas had just turned 20 four days before he was killed. I'm glad that at least people can now look at his stone and pause in remembrance.

[@theyfaceeast]

I'm curious to know if anyone has visited the grave of PVT James I. Thomas after watching this video. His cemetery contains the remains of FIVE young Americans who died during World War II.

[@stevethedude.4586]

@@theyfaceeast I'm down here in Florida myself if you can provide the location stop by and show my respect.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@stevethedude.4586 Location of PVT James I. Thomas' grave is New Hope Primitive Baptist Cemetery in LaCrosse, FL a few miles north of Gainesville. You can look him up on Findagrave.com

[@zacharyjarrells7084]

4 days after his 20th birthday. RIP Mr. Thomas and thank you for your service.

[@srsblosser13]

What a wonderful thing you are doing. My husband has a military headstone. He did not die in a war. When the headstone was placed in the cemetery the business that did poured a concrete slab and then placed the headstone on top. His headstone is not flush with the ground. I still clean it off but it is mostly a little dirt and leaves. The cemetery that he is in is in a very small town. The way they take care of the cemetery is amazing. I think there is a lot of veterans that help. Every military persons headstone is well taken care of and always have flags. This may sound weird but to me it is a very peaceful place. Now the thing that has really blown my mind is that my husband's name is Thomas James. Thank you so much for your dedication. The world needs more people like you.

[@Ishmail762]

Active duty soldier here. Thank you for doing what you are doing!! This motivated me to look into veteran tomb stones near Fort Bragg, NC I usually dont have anything going on in the weekends but this made me feel like I should be out there cleaning those stones. Thank you

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

9ID was my last Division. 23rd Ing Regiment. Ft Lewis 1985. Retired in 1989, I didn't serve to have people say "thank you for your service" or to get 10% off at Home Depot and a free parking spot. I served because it was the right thing to do and there had been a male in my family, in each generation, in the infantry, since the Revolution. I'm going to be cremated and dumped down a hole and will not have a marker. But I understand why people need one. Thank YOU for your service to those who will never know your name or what you did. Neglect is not despicable, it's simply inevitable.

[@theyfaceeast]

Ecclesiastes 1:11 "There is no remembrance of former things, Nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come By those who will come after." We are forgotten within 3 generations. Can you name all 8 of your great grandparents including first name, middle name, last name, maiden name? I am personally grateful my ancestors were buried and most had headstones placed, because I have been able to discover my roots by visiting those places.

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

@@theyfaceeast That's you. It's normal. Only LDS cares about going that far gack. Are you Mormon? Otherwise, nothing to see here. Good for the people who do this. But the Universe is Entropy.

[@4WheelBuilds]

I'm Polish and as you well know were the original nation that was attacked in WWII and paid a heavy price in human lives. Thank you Sir, for ensuring the headstones of the fallen US military man whom fought for the freedom of my grandparents and us all, remain well maintained for all to see. Keeping memory of them all is what we all can and should do. As you rightly point out freedom is not given forever, it will need to be fought for at times. Women and men such as James I Thomas payed the ultimate price so we can all enjoy the freedom that we have. Peace and freedom to everyone .

[@theyfaceeast]

Excellent comment. The Katyn massacre should be a lesson to all.

[@leticiasaemi5059]

he died only 4 days after his birthday, so young

[@MyWegg]

He had just turned 20 at the time R.I.P Solider

[@stefanomenini5315]

I just want to say thank you twice. Thanks to James, who gave his life for a better world. And thanks to this man, for his gesture of great sensitivity and humanity

[@theyfaceeast]

And thank you for your kind comment. We have much work to do, but there are more good people living than there are veteran graves, so we just need to reach the ears of those who will take action in their local cemeteries.

[@Razielim1]

There is a very large US WW2 cemetary in the Netherlands in Margraten. The community cleans the graves of our fallen allies every year. I've tried to join but there was actually a waiting list when I tried.

[@dianerose8316]

Thank you so much. ❤

[@lucianovieira170]

in Brazil there is a saying: “you only really die when no one remembers you anymore”. Respect from Rio de Janeiro Brazil

[@joao17771]

Nunca ouvi esse ditado

[@lucianovieira170]

@@joao17771 talvez porque você não seja o oráculo do Brasil

[@joao17771]

@@lucianovieira170 Ou talvez seja porque você tirou esse ditado do cu.

[@lucianovieira170]

@@joao17771 acho que não Zé ninguém . Deve ser um merda da internet, que mora com a mamãe e o papai e ainda é fofoqueiro se metendo na postagem de Outros kkkk. Candinha.

[@OliveiraDon]

Don't trust him he's lying! I live in Paraguay and brazilians don't say that

[@SmolLesboFishBiologist]

Seeing this means a lot to me! My cousin gave his life for this country so seeing someone taking care of the grave of someone they don't even know means a whole to me. Thank you for what you do

[@chuckwagon5518]

You folks at Veteran's Graves are outstanding citizens! As a veteran, I thank you for everything you do!

[@JCJustSayin]

As a Paralyzed Disabled Veteran I cannot thank you enough for caring for our fallen brothers and sisters grave markers. I am going to do my best to initiate this in my area.

[@theyfaceeast]

God bless you and I can assure you there are millions of us who are grateful for you. Each hometown needs one caring person to lead this effort. Leading is really quite easy, but it does take a few phone calls and organization skills. Volunteers will show up to perform the physical labor. Just get your first veteran headstone cleaning event on the calendar. Then send an email to each of your local new outlets including newspapers, tv news, and radio news about the event. You will get press coverage and the volunteers will just show up on time at the event. You will learn a lot during the first event, which makes the second event easier, and the third event a piece of cake. The absolute best people in your local area will show up to help!

[@Dextroyer77]

Can't imagine what these lads felt right before landing in Normandy. At such a young age too. Much love from France, we're eternally grateful to your soldiers, may they rest in peace. At least thanks to people like you they've got decent graves.

[@claudhiamaulani5002]

Thank you so much for make that young man's grave become beautiful again. May his lovely soul can rest in peace.. I'm not from US or that man's family but I respect everyone who fought for their country.. he died so young and in 4 days after his 20th birthday. Thank you so much for your service, Soldier

[@IrishAnnie]

I sent D2 to West Virginia when we went there on vacation. We cleaned 11 stones. Families used to take care of the family plots until TV’s came into homes.

[@simonjsilver4716]

I am from the UK. So we are America's allie in many Wars . What you do is so wonderful and moving . It is not only what you do , but the care and respect that makes it outstanding . Thank you .

[@theyfaceeast]

Not only are we allies, we are related. Almost 400 years after my ancestors crossed the Atlantic Ocean to establish the New World, the origins of my DNA is 96% from the UK. I should have about 7% from Austria and Germany, but DNA is randomly passed down. My Austrian German ancestors were Salzburgers who founded the British colony of Georgia with General Oglethorpe in the 1730's.

[@gunners4129]

4 days after his 20th birthday. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@sebastian5372]

Happy 97 birthday James

[@projektkobra2247]

20 years old...4 days after his birthday....never to grow old......how awful..how could we let his stone be neglected like that?.... His poor Mom.... Rest In Peace...Hero of America.....from a son of a veteran in Canada.

[@theyfaceeast]

Your comment stands out as one of the best. There are Gold Star moms, dads, wives, husbands, and children watching these videos.

[@pilesovinyl]

This man was just over 20 years old and gave the best years of his life in sacrifice for his country. It's a price that most of us cannot even imagine. Bless you for your time and attention.

[@jessm1638]

Why would anyone dislike this video? You did such a good job, sir… bless you. 🙏🏼

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you! It takes all kinds I guess. I could do without some kinds, but God tells us to love our neighbors.

[@horsthorsti2122]

We all get this video recommended on August 6th. Rest in Peace!

[@vtredneck8349]

With my father in the Korean war and step-father in Vietnam war also wifes grandfather going through the Holocaust. I have my fare share of horror storys. I respect anyone who cleans and maintains or fallen soilders head stones.

[@theyfaceeast]

I walked a cemetery yesterday and found two veterans who died in service to our country. Both of their grave markers were black with algae. Another was awarded the Medal of Honor and he had some growth on his grave marker. There were dozens of veteran grave markers there covered in filth. One was entire covered in weed growth with only a flag sticking up out of the green to signify a grave was even there.

[@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.

[@delmarquisclark1590]

20 years of living dedicating yourself to your country. God bless

[@nightshadekelly]

Thank you for doing this for our men that have served our country! A lot of people believe our country is falling apart or not in a good place right now but that doesn't change the sacrifices these men and women gave and our current military give to keep us safe!

[@larrywalker3137]

I like the idea that you're cleaning the headstone I don't care for you criticizing the family or someone for not taking care of the headstone lots of reasons why it could happen

[@geneclayton2467]

9th Landed 10 Jun 1944. This soldier probably died around St Lo. Thanks for honoring this soldier.

[@Mikej1592]

honor the dead vets? america doesn't honor its Living vets, so this neglect doesn't surprise me one bit. Thank you for cleaning the stones though, it is the least we can do. I grew up around the Allegheny cemetery in Pittsburgh and there are so many old worn out or unreadable stones from centuries of neglect. It is sad to have someone die, it is even sadder to know they have been completely forgotten.

[@chuuchuuz]

yeah it sucks america only truly cares for money instead of its people who fought. mad respect for every vet alive or not, they went through a lot for our future

[@DarthKryat]

@@runningwolfus well put

[@timepoet77]

@@runningwolfus, I agree.

[@ERoseTTM]

I don’t know why this video showed up on my recommended page but I’m glad it did. Being from a military family and also a former army wife the respect you give to these people is amazing to say the least. Now, with that being said, what struck me the most about this video is the name and birthdate. My oldest sons middle name is James (it was almost his first name) and his birthday is Aug. 2. He’s been in love with all things military/hunting/guns/strategy related since he was 2. He’s about to be 19. Ironically enough, his dads birthday is Aug. 6. I don’t know why this hit me the way it did, it’s just some weird coincidences, but I’m glad I saw it. Thank you. And please keep up the lovely work. 😁

[@theyfaceeast]

I'm glad you found the video meaningful to you. Keep paying attention to all those weird coincidences. Sometimes they're not coincidences at all. Sometimes God has unique ways of communicating with us. He tells us to be still. If we pay attention, there's more going on around us than meets the eye. Your son sounds to me like a fine young man. I spend a lot of time thinking about the veterans of our past. When I see young men like your son, I think about how young all of the men were who fought for our freedom.

[@jorgemachuca5672]

I enjoyed the process, but, your message at almost the end of the video that says “We are all the same and we are supposed to love each other as one community with no groups or divisions“ for me, was the most important part of the video. Congratulations and keep on going spreading the message. You have a new subscriber here!!

[@perijetton9275]

I love this so much! My dad was 18 years and 12 years old on Valentines Day 1951. He was wounded and listed as POW/MIA. He was put into a straw hut with 25+ other wounded soldiers and abandoned. Weeks later they were discovered by the Australians. 8 were still alive. He told us he survived because he was able to get snow through the walls of the hut. He was hospitalized for 6 weeks and then went back to his unit to finish his tour. At his funeral we were told the whole story of his bravery. He was a hard working, honest man who never complained and loved his country. Thank you for honoring these hero’s. It’s much appreciated. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lafondawilliams]

Guy died on my birthday at 20 years old, i could've died at 20 in war myself in Afghanistan, glad i made it out. Rip mark r goyet. Some true words spoke here, i had to pronounce my marines death do evac, then help fill sand bags all night to fortify the position. Still had it easy compared to these wars man.

[@theatlantafisherman6913]

Based on my research the 9th landed in Normandy on D-Day +4. The division was headquartered in St-Aubin-des-Bois in Calvados, France on August 5th of 1944. So it seems that he might have died in the push to take La Tuilerie, France as that is where they were headquartered on August 8th of 1944.

[@mike3963]

The poor man died just after he turned 20. I’m 20 and it feels like my life is just starting. I cant imagine the feeling of being unfulfilled and regret in his last moments. If I was shot in the stomach at that age I probably would have had a heart attack from just the thought before the bullet wound killed me

[@Faddidaddi]

Unfulfilled? He died a hero!

[@mike3963]

@@Faddidaddi he might have but was he able to live his life as others did due to the sacrifice he made? That’s now others see it but do you think that’s how HE SAW IT it in HIS dying moments with the chance of his whole life he has envisioned ahead of him suddenly ripped away? In his mind do you think he was thinking,” well I guess its worth trading a lifetime of memories and happiness for my life at this very moment”? I don’t. I would be mortified to be losing my life at that moment, knowing if I had taken a different route I would have been able to live the rest of my life. It’s not just the lives they have they worry about, it’s the lives they’ve envisioned to-be. Those who die in service don’t have that

[@shelleyredman5885]

Paying tribute to the fallen is so honoring. My grandfather fought in the Korean War. God bless them all.

[@Flufferz626]

There was a baby buried next to my family plot who was born in 1952 and passed in 1952. We give her flowers along with my mom and uncle's sites every year. My mom made sure we did that. Mom's resting place is beside this baby who is unrelated by blood, wouldn't have it any other way. Also, thank you for your service, James Thomas.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful testimonial of the human spirit. Your mom was quite a lady. Good choice for her final resting place.

[@ainoah68]

I do the same…I found a little boys’ grave some years ago. He was born in 1896 and passed when he was 11 months old. I looked him up in digital church books here in Norway, and he died of pneumonia like so many children did back then.💔

[@Flufferz626]

@@theyfaceeast thank you, she was. Unfortunately after my grandfather passed away from COVID last year the plots are full. My father wanted to be buried beside her, but then changed his mind and has a hybrid solution, haha. He wants to be cremated and half his ashes spread on my mom's grave, the other half mixed into concrete formed into a small artificial reef sunk in the Gulf of Mexico and the family can give GPS coordinates to friends and family so they can fish over his resting place 🤣🤣🤣. Have to say, my parents are creative lol

[@theyfaceeast]

@@Flufferz626 I didn't have an opinion on cremation vs burial until I visited all the graves of my known ancestor grandparents and found all their graves facing east. Now I am 100% for burial.

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

Wonderful work. Another way to honor them is to know them. James Isiah Thomas was born in Florida to Charlie and Mary Jane. Died in France. Nickname: Buster. He was the youngest of seven siblings, which means his death likely shook the world of his family. God bless him and everyone he fought along besides to rid our world of evil and tyranny.

[@livefree3282]

This guy is a true American! Thank you!...And To the 400 or so people that disliked this video.... we are ashamed of you....

[@theyfaceeast]

There has to be some place to where we can ship away those who don't love America. England had Australia! England also had their 13 colonies in the New World! Just drop them off with a bag lunch and SEE YA. Wouldn't it be great to do this with about 100 and videotape them 30 days later? I saw what it was like overseas when I was deployed in the Navy. I thank God for my ancestors who created the United States of America and I thank God for allowing me to live here, and not there.

[@jodyhoo]

This would be the perfect “Eagle Scout” project. Beautiful tribute. My Dad was a WW II vet. He enlisted in 1944 at 17. He was one of the fortunate ones.

[@gamesux420]

I visited a british war cemetery a couple days ago, all kept in beautiful condition, and rightly so!

[@Mr1002brady]

I was active army fought in Iraq 04-05. Bless you for this my brother. !!!! I love it.

[@Jackster1]

Thanks for your service 🌚🤕🏓🙏💀🦆🪲

[@lajuankeyon2646]

He celebrated his last birthday and didn’t even know it. Love everyday ladies and gentlemen.

[@LaurensHaveman]

I live in the Netherlands. In my village and almost all neighbouring villages there are war graves of American and Canadian soldiers. These graves are treated with great respect. Just like you do. Thanks.

[@ioanairimies4378]

Hey from Romania. My grandpa also fought in ww2 against Russia. When he came home he couldn't walk beause his legs were frozen. He died in 2009, so we are lucky to have him in our lives.

[@theyfaceeast]

Hello there in Romania! Thank you for watching, thank you for your comment, and thank you for your grandpa.

[@327th_enthusiast]

We fixed up my grandfather’s grave (not a war vet btw) after years of it falling apart since they gave it a concrete frame before it sunk in. Put numerous hours into it laying new concrete and giving him a new headstone just for the family who casted us out as the black sheep trying to take responsibility for it being fixed up. Seeing people do this to people especially vets who were killed in action definitely bring warmth to my heart. If only many were as kind as this man.

[@mistercrunchde7807]

I am from Germany and I can tell all of you, we learned our lesson from the past. We are embarrassed what the last generations did to each other. The younger generations have that in mind. Something which is really sad and what I appreciate because I saw it in your video is the fact that you can say I'm proud to be American and you can identify with your country. In Germany we can't because so many people still connect being proud of our country with being a nazi. I hope that changes and we all can be proud for being a country which cares for each other

[@GTAgamingguide]

True…

[@therezas.6894]

Am Ende des Videos war auch mein Gedanke: An Grabsteine die deutsche Flagge aufstellen? Undenkbar.

[@mistercrunchde7807]

@@therezas.6894 Ja, da sagst du was. Traurig aber leider wahr.

[@flip.flap.]

As an American myself, I find that the most patriotic people are usually the same people who most vehemently refuse to acknowledge many of our country's wrongdoings, both in the past and in the modern day. Their pride makes them want to ignore or misrepresent things that should make them ashamed. I'm not saying that I'm not proud to be an American, but rather that we should still be working to improve this country. There's still so much to be done, and we shouldn't be content with the way things are now, nor think that everything would be solved if things could go back to the way that they used to be.

[@jesusdiscipledon1499]

My uncle and grandfather were both veterans. My grandfathers all served in WWII. My uncle served in Vietnam. I miss them. I love them. And I’m inspired to serve them in this way. Thank you for showing me the way.

[@theyfaceeast]

Amen! I love them too. As a believer, you know they know what you are doing to honor them.

[@mackinnalloyd109]

My uncle was shot through his ear and survived 6 years after with the bullet in his head. Sadly he passed in 2018 of a heart attack. He was a WWII Veteran. He served well. R.I.P Uncle Dale.

[@ashes4912]

Rip I'm sorry about your uncle.

[@alexandermann8465]

Sorry for your lost

[@mackinnalloyd109]

@@ashes4912 its ok i will miss him but right now he's up in the sky riding high with a big smile on his face

[@mackinnalloyd109]

@@alexandermann8465 thanks

[@johnnycake5154]

My grandfather was in WWII. He survived the sinking of the U.S.S Samuel B Roberts. He sadly passed away in 2015. I miss him everyday

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Sir, I salute you. Thank you. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant and greetings from Charleston, West Virginia.

[@Carmen-oz3fx]

Thank you for your service🙏🏻

[@Borzzoii]

Thank you for your service🙏🏻

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@@Carmen-oz3fx l always say the same, it was an honor to serve our great Nation.

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@@Borzzoii you're welcome, I'd do it again. Semper Fi

[@TralfazConstruction]

Every word and sentiment which you impart here is absolutely true. No embellishment needed. Thank you for this service in restoring these historical markers.

[@theyfaceeast]

Amen. We have a lot of work to do, and hearts to reach, but we will one year get all veteran headstones cleaned by Memorial Day.

[@coopepe2957]

Happy birthday James. May your soul be at peace and thank you for your sacrifice.

[@xmangoz7040]

I personally never seen an issue with overgrown headstones, to return to nature is a peaceful part of the cycle to me

[@crvz7834]

100% agree

[@citrineshark9240]

I agree very strongly with this

[@XanderJMS]

he just turned twenty god bless him u could only imagine what he was like hopefully god treats our vets well

[@toyman9642]

All our veterans deserve respect and remembrance. When I drive by a cemetery on Springbank Avenue in London, Ontario, Canada, I always glance over at the rows of identical markers on graves of Canadian veterans and say a silent thank you. We in Canada have Remembrance Day on November 11. Services are held at memorials across the country. The problem? Most forget afterwards and just "get on with their lives." All service personnel, active or retired, living or dead, deserve our respect and should remain in our thoughts all year long. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Canadian and American war cemeteries at Normandy. What a moving experience. I salute all who have sacrificed for my freedom.

[@Ceege48]

So glad to see that other people take the time to do this also. I haven’t fully cleaned one before but I always try and clear some off

[@janinew3926]

I am a Gold Star Mom. I lost my son in the Iraq War. Thank you for doing what you do for these men and women who gave the ULTIMATE sacrifce.

[@theyfaceeast]

If this mission can bring any level of comfort whatsoever to you as a Gold Star Mom, then it has all been worth the effort.

[@patcardiff2563]

Janine we had a prime minister here who started off weapons of mass destruction Tony Blair I blame him for all loss of life in that awful war he should have gone to prison but he still has that hanging over his head one day someone will put him there how he sleeps at night I will never know I am so sorry for your loss I will keep up my own fight against this scum bag for the rest of my life he is still trying to get back in to Government here but he never will I. Write to news papers so often just to keep my campaign going

[@TheCaptainSplatter]

I kind of liked the black in the lettering. It made it pop.

[@deeelle6744]

Cdn vet living in one of Canada's first/oldest military cities. Went to one of our oldest cemeteries a couple of years ago and noticed the sad shape many of our vet's headstones are in. Talked to a buddy I served with about this and shared your video with them. Making arrangements now to clean up their headstones and pay proper respect to those who went before. Thank you for raising awareness and giving clear, understandable tutorials.

[@theyfaceeast]

I appreciate your willingness to take up this important cause in your local cemeteries. Together we can make this right and make arrangements to care for our veteran graves in perpetuity.

[@brentschellekens4151]

This man died at my age, geez that's awful to think about. May he rest in peace

[@tryne5069]

My family and I go out and clean veteran graves every year for Memorial Day, but now I wish we did it more often

[@theyfaceeast]

I just checked on the veteran headstones we cleaned two years ago and they still look fantastic. Each veteran grave marker needs to be checked at least annually, but may not need to be cleaned every year. I think a proper cleaning once every three years is a reasonable expectation.

[@Zorn76]

@@theyfaceeast Great reminder & I continue to learn.

[@dr.bright8020]

Happy birthday James! 🎂

[@julsjewels3185]

War is he'll on earth. Bless you for honoring this soldier. My dad was in the Korean Conflict. He had poor health because of it and left my mother a widow with five children. He was 30.

[@theyfaceeast]

As you know, Korea is the Forgotten War. I am grateful for your dad.

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I just joined your Veteran Graves.com website and plan to start with my Dads stone, and make a video of it and add pictures of him in his WWII Uniform in Europe and tell the stories he told us. Then I will go onto his Dad's and his dad's Dad, etc. And there's 2 separate Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty (from the same department, 30 years apart) from both sides of my family that I plan on visiting as well. Thank You for what you do. You have no idea of the ripple effect your work has caused. Stay safe.

[@Oliver-yc5fi]

In Canada we have Remembrance Day on November 11. Still I might clean my Great Grandfather's soon. Thanks for showing me how!

[@liar4323]

Can you really just pop into a graveyard and clean stones? Do you have to ask? It seems like such a relaxing and overall morally rewarding thing to do for you county/city. I’m glad people such as yourself do things like this just out of the kindness of your heart.

[@aandrew763]

Interacting to see an answer too, hopefully

[@Alex-iz4ei]

@@aandrew763 i want an answer too

[@perfectmedusa0244]

Me and my girlfriend do it in the spring and fall. Honestly just do it and if asked what you're doing be honest and explain what you're doing. It's really peaceful

[@CheeseMiser]

Its technically illegal, but besides a karen, everyone would be happy to see someone do this. If you cant find any living relatives of the person, then you can clean it. But otherwise, ask a descendant

[@theyfaceeast]

You must obtain permission from the cemetery steward prior to performing any work inside the cemetery. Each cemetery is owned by someone, or some entity such as a city, county, or church. Visit ByMemorialDay.com, watch the videos posted there, and click on the link to the protocol issued by the National Cemetery Administration. Do not take no for an answer! Give the cemetery a copy of the protocol. Government-furnished veteran headstones and grave markers remain federal property, so the old excuse of only family members being able to clean veteran headstones due to private property concerns is HOGWASH! Don't be surprised if you have to fight city hall to obtain permission to clean veteran headstones in city owned cemeteries. This is a just cause, so you will eventually obtain permission.

[@moanacrompton4994]

What a wonderful way to honor one of our fallen. My husband and I go out every Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and July 4th to a specific cemetery and place flags on all veterans' graves. There are 51 of them at this particular resting place. You have now inspired me to want to slowly work at cleaning those markers as some of them are very difficult to read. God bless you.