Kansas Veteran Headstones Are Dirty

Veteran headstones in the State of Kansas are dirty and in need of cleaning. Trae Zipperer with By Memorial Day randomly stopped by Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, KS to check on the condition of veteran headstones in Kansas. Like most every state, the veteran headstones and grave markers in Kansas are covered in biological growth such as black algae, lichens, and moss as well as dirt, grime, and bird droppings.
The cemetery supervisor was a fantastic gentleman and welcomed the idea of volunteers helping to clean veteran headstones and honor veterans in this cemetery with a flag at their grave. The City of Salina and the cemetery staff do a nice job of maintaining the cemetery grounds, but they don't have the manpower nor the budget to clean headstones, including veteran headstones. I asked for permission to clean a veteran headstone for this video and the supervisor was more than happy to say yes.
There are literally hundreds of veteran grave markers in need of routine maintenance attention at Gypsum Hill Cemetery. While walking the cemetery, I found the G.A.R. Section for Grand Army of the Republic where many Union Soldiers from the Civil War are buried. There are dozens more Union Soldiers scattered throughout the cemetery, but I chose this G.A.R. section to clearly show viewers the contrast between veteran headstones in a Kansas municipal cemetery and those white marble headstones you see in our National Cemeteries such as Arlington. The veteran headstones in Kansas are dirty, leaning, sunken, and fallen.
The forgotten Union Soldier veteran headstone of Sergeant John Gordon, Company F, of the 12th United States Colored Infantry was selected as the stone to honor with a proper cleaning. According to his muster rolls at FOLD3.com, Sergeant John Gordon was born in 1838 in Columbia, TN and enlisted as a Union Soldier at the age of 25 in Stevenson, AL on 5 Sep 1863. He was a farmer by trade. He was promoted from Private, to Corporal, to Sergeant, so we know he was good at soldiering.
Join the effort to clean every veteran headstone in America by Memorial Day. Visit ByMemorialDay.com to learn more and watch videos about how to properly clean veteran grave markers issued by the National Cemetery Administration. Like us on Facebook at By Memorial Day. And subscribe to our channel here on KZbin.

[@amandabrown4269]

I'm in Kansas. I'm right next to Salina 30 mins. I'll take care of those. I'm a veteran and would be proud to clean them. ❤❤

[@theyfaceeast]

Hi Amanda. That's great! Thank you for your service to our country. Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina is easy to find. Google produces address: 2020 E Iron Ave, Salina, KS 67401. The manager was very nice, so just call them or stop by their office within the cemetery. Please provide an update!

[@shelleytribbey8781]

God bless you Amanda Brown!

[@phongseepenn1602]

God Bless You 🙏

[@lindanizamoff7981]

Good for you.

[@stephaniethompson4964]

I'm from Kansas and Missouri. I currently live in Texas. I want to do this. Please tell me how to do this. Thank you to every veteran past present and future for your service. I'm an Army Brat and Air Force Brat. And very proud of it.

[@powertekusa]

Interesting facts about Sergeant John Gordon Born: Columbia, Tennessee 25 years old at enlistment Enlisted Sept 5, 1863 as a Private Promoted to Corporal: April 12, 1864 Promoted to Sergeant: November 22, 1864 5'-5" Tall Occupation: Farmer Died: May 5, 1910 in Salina, Kansas

[@katrinaharris5792]

How did you find old service records? I've been trying to find my grand father's service record for my dad who served 30 years in the Navy. But, my grandfather passed when he was 10 years old and he doesn't even have a photo of him. Any information on how to research him would truly be appreciated! 💜 TIA

[@katrinaharris5792]

@powertekusa

[@powertekusa]

@@katrinaharris5792 Which branch of service did your grandfather serve in and when did your grandfather die ? Was he a veteran of WW-2?

[@katrinaharris5792]

@@powertekusa my GrandFather was in the Navy.I think he was in the Korean War or WW2. My father still has his headstone wrapped up in movers blankets. The cemetery where he was buried was flooded about 30 years ago and they gave my dad this headstone because the caskets were floating and couldn't determine if he was actually still in the ground. He died I believe in 73' or 74'.

[@powertekusa]

@@katrinaharris5792 In would give you my email address but KZbin doesn't permit it. Your father can request a copy of your grandfather's military records by downloading a form called SF-180 from the internet. Simply type in military records, SF-180 I'm a search engine. Download it. Fill out the form and mail it to the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The address is on the form.

[@gr1mrea9er82]

The unit Sgt. Gordon served in was active between 1863 and 1866. The battle of Nashville in 1864 was their sole engagement. Some 284 members died in service. 38 killed and wounded. while a staggering 242 died from disease. Some of those that mustered out when the unit was disbanded, was then transferred to the new 10th Cavalry Regiment, a unit that later became known as the Buffalo soldiers.

[@theyfaceeast]

Good history work!

[@garymccarver5006]

My dad is a retired Airforce veteran. Once he retired from a second career, he cleaned and repaired broken head stones as a hobby and to stay active. We lost him 4 years ago at the age of 83 to a home accident. I always admired him for giving his time, energy and resources to maintain forgotten headstones.

[@theyfaceeast]

Sounds like your dad was a good man. I find cleaning veteran headstones to be a deeply meaningful experience. In the Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 6, Jesus describes how we should do good to please God. Matthew 6:1-4 applies to the act of cleaning veteran headstones. It's a charitable deed. Matthew 6:4 "that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." Jesus' words apply to when a person is alone in a cemetery honoring the dead by cleaning a grave marker. A person will feel this if they take the time to clean a veteran's headstone.

[@garymccarver5006]

@@theyfaceeast my dad was a Baptist Deacon over 40 years years at our rural Mississippi Church. He also helped the elderly in our rural community, cutting grass, repairing appliances or what ever he was able to do. He was actually older than many of those he helped. He always said it was what kept him physically and mentally fit. I believe it did.

[@garymurdoch8084]

As an old combat veteran who will lay beneath a stone like that someday, I can only hope that someone like you will care enough to remember me as you have remrmbered this brave young sargeant who served his country. God bless you Sir. Thank you.

[@theyfaceeast]

Don't you worry Gary. I plan to organize the perpetual care of veteran graves located outside National Cemeteries so that every veteran grave has an assigned Volunteer. We will manage and hold accountable via VeteranGraves.com. Please Register there as a Volunteer if you haven't already done so.

[@therighteousking3996]

Thank you for that even as a Blackman you still showed respect, much love & respect for everything you said 👑🐐✊🏿

[@theyfaceeast]

We are all children of God, regardless of skin color or any other defined grouping we humans create to separate what is the same. We are all Americans, members of the United States, yet we infight based on self imposed definitions of groupings. I think a common belief in Christ is what will bring us together.

[@therighteousking3996]

@@theyfaceeast i definitely get you you’re definitely right on tht 👑💯🙏🏿but the fact you can’t say that because not every one thinks like you it’s ok for you to say that because your skin isn’t darker then mine brother but for my Ppls & me it’s a different mindset 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@deeannafreshwaters3282]

We are all one people, no one is inferior to another based on their skin tone. Lift people up! Love people up! It is sad that the human race has become so tainted by evil that " the grace of God" has become something to shun. Fodder for bullies. Love one another, respect one another, listen and learn from one another. My family has also been here from the 1600's and has served in every conflict and branch of Armed Forces.

[@Dobviews]

1. He is not black 2. You act as if respect for our history and people is dependent upon skin color 3. You are bringing race to an unrelated issue. Society - The OP comment is an example of how not to bring people together. 🙄

[@Bageltin]

@@theyfaceeast I'm not a believer in religion but I definitely do agree with you that it's a religious society that will bring everybody together and tear down all these hokey made up divisions we put upon ourselves.

[@Reptile4570]

This is what I came up with for Sergeant John Gordon, Born abt: 1838 Columbia, Maury, Tennessee. Died 5 May 1910, Buried: 6 May 1910. Enlisted 5 Sept 1863 for 3 years. Co. F 12th U.S.C.I. Must have transferred to Co. E. sometime, not unusual

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for sharing some details about Sgt John Gordon! I find researching the veteran to be a personally rewarding experience. I've learned so much about American history by studying the time periods in which veterans lived. One black soldier in a Fort Myers, FL cemetery turned out to be a Buffalo Soldier who fought in Cuba during the Spanish American War. He was effectively a part of Teddy Roosevelt's right flank when he charged up San Juan Hill. These veteran graves bring America's history to life when you imagine what they saw through their once living eyes. We have to keep in mind these veterans lived during time periods very different as compared to the world we interact with today. For example, it's easy to jump to conclusions about certain historical figures, good or bad, but do your own research and you just might form your own opinions based on factual evidence and putting yourself in their shoes based on context of the times. Lincoln has been placed on a pedestal for example, but read his First Inaugural Address, read about how he rescinded General Butler's orders, read carefully ALL the words of his Emancipation Proclamation, read about how he threw American citizens in prison without cause. The Emancipation Proclamation held 800,000 slaves in bondage until the 13th Amendment was adopted 7.5 months AFTER the largest surrender of Confederate troops on 26 Apr 1865 by General Joseph E. Johnston at Bennett Place in North Carolina. The story we're fed today goes that the Civil War ended on 9 Apr 1865 when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, VA, but that's just not factually true. Considering the North could not pass the 13th Amendment to end slavery on the first vote, with no Southern states represented in the United States Congresss during the vote, and barely passed it the second time, the portrayal of a benevolent abolitionist Northern white population does not hold water. The truth can't be any more painful than the fabricated messages, so maybe we should try the true stories of American history as a way to come together.

[@Reptile4570]

Yes I like researching soldiers of our country. Many of my relatives were soldier or sailors and a couple of them were American Revolutionary War veterans! Many different stories like my mom father a World War One veteran who was gassed Oct 1918. It took him 5 days to get to a hospital. The war ended with him in bed, and he didn’t get back to the states until 1919.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@Reptile4570 I think it's wonderful you are aware of the sacrifices made by your ancestors to establish, protect, and defend the country we too often take for granted today. I have so far found 43 of my grandfathers who were Patriots during the American Revolution. With 65% of my family tree from the Rev War time period not yet discovered, statistics support that approximately 120 of my grandfathers were Patriots. I know one of them was killed in battle, so caring for American military heroes is personal for me. I am not alone in my love for country. Thank you for joining this effort.

[@healthyheadstones6664]

I'm working on them in Salina Kansas!! Those ones that you have shown have all been cleaned. This summer, they will all be reset and put to the proper height and straight up right.

[@sirianfelixbrightonesquire3247]

If your telling the truth, then great job American!

[@kayradford3793]

I am watching this in Australia. I am a family historian and can relate to your presentation. What a wonderful person you are.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for watching in Australia. I get a lot of comments from Australia and New Zealand, which let's me know folks Down Under love their veterans too! If I could travel to one place internationally, it would be Australia, and of course I'd hop over to New Zealand while I was down there.

[@cutepeppi3266]

I've watched many of your videos. I can't express how your actions make me feel... Please, continue doing this :) Love from Mexico

[@theyfaceeast]

Hi Lizbeth. Thank you for the encouraging comment. I plan to continue making new videos. I'm actually sitting here thinking about where to shoot videos during the winter and how to keep my RV water lines from freezing while I'm traveling. I may have to limit my range to FL and GA while keeping a close eye on approaching cold fronts.

[@msblizz11]

John C. Gordon, colored, died Wednesday evening at about 6 o'clock, at the home of his daughter at 1109 North Seventh street and was buried yesterday afternoon from the Second Baptist (colored) church, Rev. W. P. Banks preaching the funeral semon. The church was crowded and about 20 members of the G. A. R,, of which the deceased was an esteemed member, were present. The G. A. R. oficiated at the grave and likewise furnished the pall bearers. John C. Gordon was 72 years of age. He was first sergeant of Co. F of the 12th U. S. Colored Infantry, enlisting in September, 1863, at the first call of colored troops, and served till January, 1866. He came to Kansas several years ago and has lived at Salina most of the time since. He was two years in Oklaboma ntil a couple of years ago. Also at Great Bend, Kansas, where he was chaplain of the Post. He was a good and intelligent man, a Christlan, and greatly respected by his white comrades and by all ac quaintances. When he became enthused he showed himself to be an eloquent talker. The Rev. Banks preached a beautiful and grand sermon to his memory, assisted by Rev. Robert Cox. The flag was placed at half mast to his memory over the G. A. R. hall,

[@davidknichal6629]

Would like to know how old Mr. Gordon was at the time of his death

[@msblizz11]

@@davidknichal6629 the obituary says 72 yrs old.

[@sirianfelixbrightonesquire3247]

have been born into slavery. He is being honored and blessed by the vary change he may have fought for. That’s beautiful

[@sirianfelixbrightonesquire3247]

Your like the Bob Ross of tombstones. It’s relaxing to watch, it’s nice to see something beautiful being done, and it’s kinda like a small show. I enjoy these thoroughly

[@annmargaret2106]

I will be working on my little country cemetery just 45 minutes north of Salina. Glad I found your channel.

[@theyfaceeast]

I am so glad to hear you are cleaning veteran headstones in your local cemeteries.

[@stonecoldrestorations4591]

I'm with you man - cleaning veteran headstones in Durham NC!

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@isabellasattic3995]

Love what you do and ethos behind it. ❤❤

[@theyfaceeast]

Some day we will have a patriotic Volunteer assigned to each veteran's grave to make sure their assigned veteran has a clean headstone by Memorial Day, in perpetuity.

[@marter2006]

Rest In Peace, Sgt. Gordon…🪦💐🇺🇸

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

My son and I have recently started a channel after cleaning the headstone of my uncle who was killed getting off the school bus when he was 8...we love being able to give back in this way for those who don't have family to maintain their resting places. We focus on children and veterans and we have used your videos as an example to help get others out to get some sun and do a good thing. Thank you for what you are doing.

[@mariewintersteen7098]

As the niece of a world war 2 soldier and the family didn't know where his grave was until a few years ago, thank you for what you do for all veterans! He is buried in France!

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for sharing your family's story about finding your uncle buried in France. From what I understand, the French take great care of our warrior dead, so he is not forgotten by the people he gave his life to liberate. My great uncle rests at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean forever on duty aboard the SS Susana since 1942.

[@ashleymitts]

@Honor Your DNA wow I am sorry to hear that. Nobody wants to bring the ship back up?

[@roguekiller23231]

I think it's a great idea to create a database of where all these graves are located!

[@ashleymitts]

There is a similar website called Fing a Grave.

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@howardbodiford7130]

You are a hero yourself sir .

[@lmbclm4]

I'm a volunteer. I have 4 veterans in friona texas that I have taken care of I will visit them again on memorial day to replace their flags

[@jeffreygraf3358]

The GAR never discriminated by race for membership or burial inclusion. If you loyally served to save the Union, you were a brother to all Union Veterans.

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@theresastiles51]

I take care of my dad's resting place and my grandparents. Getting ready to clean the stones of their neighbors resting places. Thank you for doing this

[@danielasterling6936]

PUNTA DEL ESTE URUGUAY

[@tereseduffy6591]

Now that you are getting the word out on how to properly clean our national hero's headstones and most importantly the proper cleaning solution to use to safely clean them I can see more people getting involved. Thank you!

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for the comment Terese. I agree. I truly believe most Americans support the idea of veterans deserving a clean veteran headstone. You're right, most of those caring people are frozen into inaction, because they don't know how to properly clean a headstone and they don't want to do any harm. I attacked the situation by removing all barriers I identified as preventing the job from getting done. Between my videos and ByMemorialDay.com anyone interested should be able to get permission from the cemetery and properly clean a veteran headstone. I am getting reports of veteran headstones being cleaned all over the United States and several countries around the world. The word is spreading!

[@PAMELARUSSELL79]

i would love to do this where i live. nobody care about the cemeteries here and it is very sad.

[@win-instantly4940]

Mate you’re a great bloke 🙏👍

[@killercobra7987]

I have respect for this man

[@funtimefreddy3272]

We must treat these veterans with the best respect for their service!

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@helenbradford2569]

Wow this man is an Earth Angel. God bless him.

[@marshallbaker8261]

thank you for what you do,my God these men and woman gave their lives for us and we have forgotten what the day means.

[@danielasterling6936]

LUCIANA IMOBERDORF PIA EXNER MOIRA BERNTZ INGRID GRUDKE MILAGROS SCHMOLL MARCELA KLOOSTERBOER TIZIANA HEINZE LUCINA VON DER HEYDE NICOLE NEUMANN VALENTINA SEWCZUK NAOMI PREIZLER AYELEN STEPNIK JAZMÍN STUART KARINA JELINEK ANA LIVCHICH CARLA PETERSEN DANIELA PFEIFF IMAN KAUMANN PILAR BOERIS LUCIANA RUBINSKA MARTINA STOESSEL A R G E N T I N A

[@Dog.soldier1950]

His unit existed 1863-1866 and served in Tennessee guarding railroad line of supply

[@danielasterling6936]

BARILOCHE VILLA LA ANGOSTURA SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES USHUAIA A R G E N T I N A

[@theMick52]

What a shame, we have a lotta work to do!

[@MrBlacksheep12]

You are truly inspiring. I am going to try to do this with my honor society. I am also visiting my 3rd great grandparents graves soon in North Carolina. I am excited to see how beautiful their stones will be once I'm done.

[@theyfaceeast]

I like your honor society idea! I think every history teacher in America should use this mission as a teaching opportunity by adopting a local cemetery. Each year the history teacher can take their new students to the cemetery to perform annual maintenance on the veteran headstones there. A student putting their hands on a Spanish American War veteran's headstone will bring history to life and open the student's mind to want to know what happened during that war.

[@danielasterling6936]

JAVIER MILEI KARINA MILEI A R G E N T I N A

[@jhawk96]

Thank you from Kansas for all you do! Am really glad your videos popped up in my feed. I will be looking into doing this in my area. GOD bless! Go Navy!

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you Amy! I really enjoyed visiting Kansas. As I mentioned in the video, the cemetery manager was wonderful and they're doing a fantastic job maintaining the cemetery grounds. However, cleaning veteran headstones doesn't fall within the scope of their budget. And truthfully it is an honor to maintain the grave of an American military hero, so the local citizens should put their hands on these sacred stones. I believe the Purpose of the National Cemetery Administration should also apply to veteran graves in our local cemeteries: To maintain national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.

[@momof4sons226]

Thank you. And bless your heart for what you do Sir. 💙

[@willaketcher9344]

Hope you can make it down to Hulbert,Okla. To the IOOF CEMETERY. Thank you for what you are doing for the veterans because they are heroes. May God bless you.

[@theyfaceeast]

I hope to one day make it to Hulbert, OK. I still have a day job, but some day I'd like to set up a route to tour the country visiting cemeteries to promote the cleaning of veteran headstones.

[@willaketcher9344]

Would love to get a group together an meet you there when you announce you are coming down.

[@darlenewillbrandt1628]

You made more sense than I have heard in a long time. I am going to our city hall ask how many Veterans to we have buried. And what group or who careing for the gravesights and headstones.

[@theyfaceeast]

Great idea Darlene. Glad to hear you are taking action. Please let us know how your city hall responds. In which city do you live? I met some historic preservation workers in a cemetery within the City of Savannah, GA a couple of weeks ago. The City of Savannah now has a budget for cemetery restoration. The city hires a non-profit organization serving as a historic preservation service provider and pays the allocated budget dollars to the non-profit. The non-profit then hires trained employees to work in the city cemeteries on a full-time basis restoring headstones and structures within the cemetery grounds. I have also heard of cities paying for D/2 Biological Solution and other cleaning supplies for volunteers willing to clean headstones. Your success may serve as a case study for others to follow. Be sure to use the protocol I had written via the National Cemetery Administration for cleaning veteran headstones provided by the federal government when pitching your ideas to City Hall. City attorneys scare everyone with liability horror stories and personal property rights as they pertain to graves purchased within municipality owned cemeteries. The protocol clearly states those government provided headstones and grave markers remain federal property. Common sense needs to prevail.

[@darlenewillbrandt1628]

Whitehall MI. Iam have 10 minutes at city council in Feb. My Pastor will play your video. The cemetery is park of the parks department. They are checking how many Veterans are there. I spoke to the Priest at St James Catholic. The person in charge their church cemetery are checking also. How much does the gallons of cleaning product cost? What should I order 75 stones .

[@theyfaceeast]

@@darlenewillbrandt1628 Good morning Darlene. I love what you are doing there in Whitehall, MI. You inspired me to produce a video directed to municipalities whereby someone in the community such as yourself can share the video with their local city or county leaders. A very important key point that MUST be shared with government leaders is the new Veteran Headstone Cleaning Protocol issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs via the National Cemetery Administration. I pushed for this document after discovering the red tape, bureaucracy, outdated rules, and lack of common sense that exist in countless communities effectively preventing anyone from cleaning the grave markers of our American military heroes. You will find the veteran headstone cleaning protocol at the following link: www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/factsheets/Cleaning_Headstones_Markers.pdf

[@theyfaceeast]

@@darlenewillbrandt1628 as for your question about how many veteran headstones will a gallon of D/2 Biological Solution cover, the best answer I've heard is, "It depends on who's paying for the D/2!" I haven't measured this yet, but it doesn't take much product to coat the exterior sq inches of stone. All you have to do is wet the stone with the product. Any runoff is simply wasteful application. In summary, a gallon of product will go a long way.

[@jamesewilliams1900]

12th US Colored Infantry was organized in Tennessee as the 1st Alabama Infantry (African Decent). Later changed to 12th US Colored Infantry. The unit was used mostly for train guard and Garrison duty

[@theyfaceeast]

Great comment! Each veteran headstone cleaned provides an opportunity to remember the stories of the veteran and America's history.

[@phongseepenn1602]

Thank You for Your Service 🙏 May God Bless You 🙏

[@overthemountain16]

I'm not a big supporter of our military. But I am a big supporter of our troops and veterans. I don't hate my country. I love my country. I love the land and the people. I just think our government sucks soo much a$$ when it comes to some things. Like taking care of our veterans and active duty personnel. You sir are an inspiration and you give me hope that there are fellow Americans that are willing to be selfless. God bless you and your family.

[@charizardx22]

I respect that. Especially from someone who is in a military family, I agree that they should treat their soldiers better. Especially the National Guard.

[@danielasterling6936]

NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE A R G E N T I N A

[@danielasterling6936]

@@charizardx22 CHILE ARGENTINA LA ESCANDINAVIA DE AMERICA DEL SUR

[@jrdphoneguy1]

Great service you have started. I will be taking this to my local Veteran's groups and cemeteries to begin this project in Sewickley PA. God Bless!

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you John Dunn!

[@mytedman1]

My Gt Grand Father is buried in Chippiannock Cemetery Rock Island, IL; I wanted to place a Veterans Headstone (Standing or flat) and was told NO. Reason... Caregiver said the cemetery is on the National Historical Cemetery Register. I'm wondering what is any more historical than a Civil War Soldier? He only has a stone with my Gt GMother. Simply shameful. No one knows Gt Gfather was a hero.

[@theyfaceeast]

That certainly makes no sense to me either. I'll look into that issue. There are many unsubstantiated beliefs in the cemetery world, so maybe that cemetery needs a higher authority to educate them. Or, maybe the cemetery is correct. It's one or the other.

[@theyfaceeast]

I made contact with the National Cemetery Administration about your great grandfather. Does a grave marker exist at his grave now? What is his name? With his name, I can look him up at findagrave.com.

[@stephaniehowe0973]

You can have that marker w Great Grandmother say anything you want.

[@frankgilbert5148]

Thanks for what you do.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA THE SCANDINAVIA OF SOUTH AMERICA

[@brandigilsrud5065]

Any headstone veteran or not should be kept clean. All stones have a name on it. It doesn't need to be a veteran's headstone to be cleaned and respected.

[@theyfaceeast]

Hello Brandi. I agree with you that ALL headstones and graves should be cared for and maintained in a respectful condition. Family members are forgotten within 3 generations, so unfortunately nobody from the family visits the cemetery to maintain the headstone. Headstones are personal property, except for government furnished veteran headstones, which is one of the reasons I focus on veteran headstones. Many cemeteries will not allow volunteers to clean private headstones. The same cemetery rule extends also to veteran headstones, but we now have a protocol issued by the National Cemetery Administration to present to cemetery managers stating government furnished veteran headstones REMAIN FEDERAL PROPERTY. This is a key point, and enables an opportunity to gain approval from cemetery managers. The more people we get cleaning veteran headstones, the more likely those people will realize their family members' headstones also need their attention.

[@sand3882]

@@theyfaceeast , I know the 1, 2, 3 generation saying, but while the spirit of your comment is true, the specifics aren't always. I'm into my 6th decade on this Earth, and I have family members who I doubt have ever been back to their own mom or dad's grave since the funeral. Yet I can remember as a little girl going to a number of cemeteries with my grandparents on Memorial Day. They generally called it Decoration Day. We cut the grass if needed, washed the gravestone, pulled weeds, and placed fresh flowers. Not everyone knows where family members were buried back to that 3rd generation and beyond because many families moved a lot and frequently kept poor records. I can go to about the 5th gen. locally in a couple branches of the family tree. Here in this rural area, there are a lot of old cemeteries, or little grave clusters, or family graves, or individual graves of people who died on a journey. Many are no doubt yet to be discovered in some old tree line in the back 40 of a vacant homestead. Some are on private farm land that is gated and marked no trespassing by the farmers. But while I'm able, I will continue to tend to the family graves on at least 4 family lines. My parents, both in their 80s go, too. I love what you are doing and respect your dedication. As Memorial Day approaches, have you met your goal? I plan to try to get permission this summer to clean some veteran stones if I can get some of that D/2. Is it expensive? Funds are somewhat limited here. Thank you for inspiring many people to roll up their sleeves and break a sweat. The feeling they will have is awesome. I hope they take before and after pictures, too. One final question for now. I know it will vary depending on humidity, vegetation, weather, etc., but roughly how long will a stone remain in good shape after cleaning it? If the cemeteries could be totally cleaned, then volunteers (clubs, civic organizations, high school or college students, etc.) could have a work day a couple days a year and more easily maintain them.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@sand3882 I love your comment. I can envision in my mind the cemeteries you describe. I have friends from Alabama and they too call it Decoration Day. I think it's a Southern thing. In New Zealand they call it Remembrance Day. D/2 costs about $50 per gallon and will treat 88 veteran headstones. A less expensive alternative is WET & FORGET at $6 per gallon. Watch my KZbin video Wet & Forget Cleans Veteran Headstones. I've been back to view white marble veteran headstones a year after we cleaned them and they look and feel squeaky clean. Routine annual headstone maintenance once the stone has been cleaned the first time is simply wetting the stone with a coat of D/2 or WET & FORGET. Takes only 15 seconds and no scrubbing.

[@jimsteele7108]

You sir have inspired me.

[@theyfaceeast]

I am pleased! Our veterans gave so much for us, and I think their respected memory can bring us together as one nation under God.

[@HappierHeadstones]

Me too!

[@franceshedrick4542]

What a grand gesture! My thanks to you and your followers for doing this. I am 84 so, much as I want to, I can’t do this. But O am trying to spread the word to others. I was born in Virginia and live in Georgia with family buried in both states. Contact your friends and organizations to see if they can help.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you Frances for helping us sound the alarm to attract volunteers. Where do you live in Georgia? Many of my ancestors came from Georgia.

[@franceshedrick4542]

I love in North Atlanta.

[@franceshedrick4542]

Whoops ... live in north Atlanta.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@franceshedrick4542 While building my family tree, I discovered ancestors from just west of Atlanta in Cobb County.

[@goldentee5972]

They need to take it easy on the round-up around the headstones. The condition of this site is an abomination.

[@KR-ti5uz]

I too have been cleaning headstones, one confederate headstone on its face. Ureter it cleaned it with d2 standing tall and white... satisfying work

[@KR-ti5uz]

Re set it

[@danielasterling6936]

JAVIER MILEI A R G E N T I N A

[@judyparedes22]

This is really touching ty for not forgetting the soldiers of colors

[@theyfaceeast]

We will clean them all. Regardless of what separates us in the world, we are all the same when we put on that uniform and stand together.

[@alberttoth1807]

Godbless all falling Soldiers

[@ptaylor4923]

Sgt. Gordon was a slave who had been owned by.a land owner Cornel Gordon of Tennessee. Sgt. Gordon was a farmer in Tennessee until later in lide when he moved to Salina, Kansas where his daughter lived

[@lizzapaolia959]

Awesome video. God bless you

[@lizzapaolia959]

That definitely needs to be reset. Maybe a monument company would help in resetting this stone. They usually have a crane to assist.... Then the set a new base..... Great job. God bless.

[@Troy4fun]

If your watching this in 2021 your a legend

[@Hawkers02]

Thx

[@O.L.D_RC]

I am also a southerner, and passionate about our Vet's. This is important and deserves help and sharing. Thank you again for what you do, and especially for your service. There are graves here back to the Revolution, they all need attention. Hope I can make a dent.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for making a dent. If we all make a dent, we can achieve the objective of cleaning every veteran headstone by Memorial Day. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Others are answering the call all over the United States, even all over the world. More will follow. It just takes time for word to spread.

[@captainsoapmactavish9843]

Much respect to you and god bless all of are soldiers that have faught and died there honor and ultimate sacrifice that they put on the line. it will never be forgotten and solders that are still fighting for are freedom and country I appreciate your service

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIA ARGENTINA POLAR NATIONS

[@lornaharris9917]

Good job!

[@timothydavidhill2117]

to @Honor Your DNA . I what to say appreciate that for your honoring fall in veterans. I guess it take about 30 minutes to clean a grave stone but of cause.

[@ToldYouSo18]

This will never happen to the American headstones here in my country. Keeping them clean is the least we can do for what they did in ww2.

[@theyfaceeast]

I hope to give you a hug someday. We left so many of our finest in foreign soil, and it makes me so proud to know that people in those other countries take such great care of them. In what country do you live? We have some British Airmen buried in a cemetery in Arcadia, FL. They were killed in plane crashes during training. Each of their headstones have messages from their families etched beneath their dates. Every message pains my heart to read.

[@ToldYouSo18]

@@theyfaceeast I live in the Netherlands aka Holland. Every fallen brother ( American, Canadian etc) is being "adopted" by the community in this country and many people visit from time to time to leave flowers en such. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6vPhYt3itqJndE

[@theyfaceeast]

@@ToldYouSo18 that is wonderful! My goal is to have every veteran grave in America adopted by a living caring Volunteer who will provide proper respectful care in perpetuity. VeteranGraves.com

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@LSniumUwU]

God bless this man, a man who actually cares for the veterans who served to protect our country. Meanwhile some restaurants where i live do not give military discount to my father who was in the army. And the rest of the fellow veterans.

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you Lin the Feline. You make a good point about military discounts. In my opinion, 100% of businesses should offer a military discount to ALL who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force including active duty, reserves, and veterans. Companies like Lowes, Home Depot, and ACE Hardware provide veterans with a 10% military discount. In some cases they have VETERAN parking spaces up front. I can tell you from personal experience how amazing I feel when I pull into one of those parking spaces. Now I'll share my thoughts about those companies who don't offer military discounts. Here's an example. A veteran walks to the checkout register at TARGET and asks, "Do you offer a military discount?" TARGET cashier, "No, we don't. I'm sorry." One of my favorites is DODGE, JEEP, RAM. They run advertisements showing a total discount that includes a military veteran discount built in. But when you ask about the veteran discount, the salesperson asks, "Are you a 100% disabled veteran?" They advertise a veteran discount, but in reality it only applies to 100% disabled veterans, which probably accounts for no more than 1% of all military veterans. Or, another favorite is the prominently displayed sign showing an American flag and military related graphics. The objective is to make every customer feel good about the business for supporting veterans. But read the words on the sign and it will state something like, "Veterans receive a 10% discount on the last Tuesday of every month!" Or, "Active military receive a free soft drink with meal purchase third Wednesday of each month between the hours of 2pm and 4pm. Must show Active duty military I.D." Message to business owners: Military discounts create good will for your brand and create loyal deeply appreciative repeat customers.

[@psithurismique]

You can change the "flow" of water from your spray bottle by twisting the front nozzle. Turn clockwise for mist, counter clockwise for squirt. The latter is better if you need a bit of force in rinsing off the gunk.

[@danielasterling6936]

SHANGRILA ATLANTIDA PARQUE DEL PLATA PIRIAPOLIS U R U G U A Y

[@michaelwademan2159]

God loves us all the same

[@joeymaterese8095]

A little bit outside what he is saying don't you think buddy jeez

[@ashleymitts]

Yes she does.

[@MyCatTookOverMyChannel]

Kansas doesn't even care about it's living citizens it's sad

[@carlisagiselle3197]

God bless you 🙏🏻

[@SuperShayla00]

God bless you

[@Cristalack]

Proud of these Jayhawkers!

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@bobcoopersliveyoutubevlog]

i used to be a grave digger until a grave collapsed and crushed me to almost death i broke my back neck and leggs its been 22 years since that faithful day.theres a old cemetary out of my town its called...adelaida cementary near my town of paso robles california its really old and creepy theres GHOST REAL GHOSTthere 1 day when i drive again ide like to go clean them old stones

[@schithead7]

I have Cemetery for you to stop by and see . Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica N.Y. opened up in 1850 166 acres this a very famous place for many people like Helen Chadwick , actress in over 30 films , General Herkimer , 14 U.S. past Congressmen as well as Vice President James Schoolcraft Sherman but sadly much like your awesome page is all about this place has been for years so hard for them to take care of . Please , when you get a chance .... swing by and take a peak ............ really cool place and not far from the Oriskany Battle Field which has lots of cool things to see or swing by Fort Stanwix ........... cool stuff

[@rf4341]

We must protest for equal rights for all not just some. Our blood ran for this country but is forgotten on home soil.

[@Quantrills.Raiders]

everyone has equal rights in America, the problem is that the elites get special rights that the common people dont get. It has nothing to do with race

[@geraldblackburn4883]

I am glad you state the statistics

[@geraldblackburn4883]

Sg Gordon Knew, America was and is Great.

[@alinepeed7167]

I have several family members who served our great country. The two that immediately come to mind are my fifth great-grandfather William Cocke who fought in the Reveloutionary War and the War of 1812 (at the age of 65). He died in 1828, and is buried in Columbus, Mississippi. Also, my third great-grandfather fought in the Civil War (forgive me, his name escapes me at the moment), was injured, succumbed to those injuries, and is buried in the City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia. I hope someday I will be able to go to these cities and pay my respects to my forefathers for their service to this country.

[@theyfaceeast]

I encourage you to just get your car and start an ancestry adventure to visit the graves of your known grandparents as far back as you can find them. It is absolutely amazing to physically go to the grave of your Revolutionary War Patriot grandfather's grave! Approximately 120 of my grandfathers fought as Patriots during the Revolution. I've found more than 40 in approximately 33% of my tree, so statistically I should have around 120. Those are direct blood related grandfathers! Another thing I enjoy is discovering the unmarked graves of veteran family members, then ordering veteran headstones for them from the V.A.

[@shellyhayes8329]

I live in Bristol CT and my grandfather was in the United States Navy his headstone is black marble and we tried to clean it and polish it but we couldn't do it!

[@johnm7899]

I have never seen such a mess! Why do they kill the grass around the stones and trees instead of trimming like ALL the cemeteries I have been in?

[@rdaws73]

Lazy grounds crew. Easier to mow around the large patch. Avoiding tedious edging

[@timothydavidhill2117]

​ @Honor Your DNA to @Honor Your DNA . I what to say appreciate that for your honoring fall in veterans. I guess it take about 30 minutes to clean a grave stone but of cause.

[@theyfaceeast]

Hi Tim. The amount of time required to clean a veteran headstone or grave marker can be anywhere between 15 seconds and 45 minutes depending on the condition of the stone, the type of biological growth affixed, and the pace of the Volunteer doing the cleaning. Watch my videos posted at ByMemorialDay.com. Read the protocol issued by the National Cemetery Administration. Register as a Volunteer at VeteranGraves.com

[@timothydavidhill2117]

@@theyfaceeast thanks for your reply. If I was in the USA I would clean all headstones.. I live in Australia.. Thanks for what you are doing keep it up.

[@timothydavidhill2117]

Though I would start to clean graves here in Australia.

[@theyfaceeast]

@@timothydavidhill2117 I have received numerous comments from Australia, so I know you Australians are a patriotic bunch. My favorite military hat is the Confederate Soldier slouch hat, but the Australian slouch hat is a close second.

[@timothydavidhill2117]

@@theyfaceeast yeah.

[@jamesrunions4553]

My uncle. was killed July 4th 1943. In the Solomon islands. Delbert shackleford. Of Harlan county-Wallins creek. Kentucky.

[@danielasterling6936]

HIROSHIMA NAGASAKI

[@BOOMSTICK-pr2dq]

I had a relative who died in the Korean War and just 4-5 years ago had a Uncle die from defoliant poisoning. He was apart of the pathfinders in Vietnam War and he had defoliant spread over his AO. Now his entire family tree after the war is poisoned by defoliants. I hate our government for that reason

[@theyfaceeast]

Thank you for sharing your family's stories of sacrifice in service to our country. I assume you are describing the use of Agent Orange as a defoliant. I grew up in the 70's and 80's with Vietnam Veterans as my heroes.

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@jeffburnham6611]

The 12th US Colored Infantry never saw any action in Kansas. The unit was formed in Tennessee in 1863, and served as railroad guards only seeing action during the Battle of Nashville. Total casualties for the unit were 4 Officers killed (White) and 38 enlisted killed or mortally wounded, and 242 from disease.

[@theyfaceeast]

Therefore, he must have moved to Kansas after the war seeking opportunity. Go west!

[@gr1mrea9er82]

The 10th US Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers) was formed in Kansas in 1866. Colored infantry units were disbanded after the end of the civil war, but alot of its veterans continued in this newly formed regiment. It would be safe to assume many of them relocated to Kansas in order to be considered for service.

[@stephaniehowe0973]

Why would he go back? Kansas was a Free State. He got out & headed to a better life

[@alisonwilhelm7662]

Is there a way to fix the stone to stand upright?

[@geraldblackburn4883]

Yes Sir, we have most certainly lost our Congress, even with a R house speaker (4/19/21) he is so weak kneed, he will not stand up for the Junior Congress Woman, MTG, where does it end !

[@usablemarker1173]

It will be awesome if you put the 34 star us flag that they fought for.

[@danielasterling6936]

LAS LEÑAS MENDOZA A R G E N T I N A

[@Troy4fun]

OMG His subs and his work are so different. He is a real man of God AKA also a veteran

[@mariewintersteen7098]

Mr Zipper, have you thought about getting a battery operated brush?

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA LA ESCANDINAVIA DE AMERICA DEL SUR

[@nickaltvater5592]

Why is the grass dead around every stone ?

[@theyfaceeast]

I think they use herbicide such as Roundup to eliminate the need to weedeat around each stone. Bad idea in my opinion.

[@arobb4481]

@@theyfaceeast I bet that it's easier for them to mow and maintain, but probably leads to soil erosion and shifting of the headstones.

[@danielasterling6936]

BARILOCHE VILLA LA ANGOSTURA SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES USHUAIA A R G E N T I N A

[@denniswinters423]

Isy to mow and Wedwep around the grave Stones And Trees All good 👍

[@thomasbeck8326]

I guess playing Pokemon should be put to shame

[@amandahowington5493]

Is there a way to get the headstone straightened and properly placed again?

[@amandabrown4269]

There is. Its a lot of work and it has to be approved by the grounds cemetery and it requires special equipment

[@constancemiller3753]

@@amandabrown4269 you're awesome to take up the task of keeping Kansas proud. 🇺🇸👏

[@Kathleen5429]

For most public cemeteries, the deed to each grave is held by a family member and you have to hold the deed to do anything with the headstone. This kind and generous man makes sure that he speaks with the cemetery owner or manager for permission to do the PROPER cleaning of the stones.

[@ashleymitts]

After you restore the headstone, do you then take a new photo of it and put it in Find a Grave?

[@theyfaceeast]

Yes. Taking it an important step further, I built VeteranGraves.com to enable Volunteers to document each veteran's story in find military detail. I add photos to Findagrave.com, but that site isn't focused on military service. I think you'll find the appropriate military service data fields at VeteranGraves.com

[@shellyhayes8329]

Why is that headstone leaning over like that? It doesn't look normal

[@OneTon677]

Settled over time. Soft soil, I would imagine.

[@patclaus8510]

I clean our family stones.. if there is any water left at the end of the day I always clean a veterans stone.

[@bradchase6831]

I live in the part of Country where many soldiers that fought for the Republic of Texas.

[@danielasterling6936]

TEXMEX

[@CharlieTheTexan]

If I'm ever buried, don't put out a marker or a stone. Bury me in minimal clothing, under a tree in the woods, or plant a tree that my remains can fertilize for years and years.

[@samanthaghost3215]

That sounds like something you should put in a will, not a KZbin comment lol

[@CharlieTheTexan]

@@samanthaghost3215 or maybe I already did that? _Just yeet my dead ass into the ground raw and plant a big ass fucking tree on my head and some flowers. Want some pretty shit there._ Something like that, it's been a while now.

[@ashleymitts]

@@samanthaghost3215 lol

[@danielasterling6936]

TEXMEX

[@katlover5619]

❣

[@anubisq1911]

Wonder if he was part of the Black Exodus after he got out of the military?

[@theyfaceeast]

I'll have to read up on the Black Exodus. I learned of the Great Migration at the Little Rock High School National Park site.

[@georgestokes5116]

if i knew just what to do to get started i would be out their it would be nice if their were a group of people that do this . dont know were to get the stuff to do the cleaning or even how much the stuff is. were do i start.

[@theyfaceeast]

Hi George. Visit ByMemorialDay.com. I've posted the necessary videos there that will prepare you to ask permission and get started. Someone has to step up as a leader in every local area. That person just has to schedule a veteran headstone cleaning event and volunteers will show up to help.

[@slicesyt5680]

Can I come to Darby pa in Philadelphia I would love to help u clean soMe

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

All Cleaning up graves side and headstone

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@staff4901]

Come to Greenville Tennessee I want to meet you

[@leabarto8156]

Hi neighbor

[@theyfaceeast]

Will do! I've traveled near Greeneville, TN a couple of times, but not since I started cleaning veteran headstones. Looks like the home of President Andrew Johnson who took over for Lincoln.

[@chaosisthebestsauce]

i know there is a way of realigning these head stones and it aint that hard and cause of that it pisses me off to see any headstone in this condition and state because it doesnt take the much money nor effort to maintain a headstone

[@farlowalexify]

The lord sacrifice his life for our sins and we should do the same for our veterans who died for our freedom and they sacrifice the same way as the lord did and it goes both ways and it is sad to see that people don’t care about our family members who sacrifice their life and the same way as the lord did and not reading the Bible is not being used as it did with our love ones who used it I still would carry the Bible with me when I can and pray for the love ones at the cemetery and honor them for what they did for us I enjoy history and how it is being destroyed by people who disrespect everything that this country did for us it’s a shame to live in this country the way it is today I just pray for the lord and remember what we are here for and be blessed with what we have and where we came from is what I’m great full of and the love for our family members and freedom that we have and people sadly forgotten about that which is sad to see

[@theyfaceeast]

Amen Alex. Well said.

[@danielasterling6936]

THE CHINESE BASE IN LA PATAGONIA

[@dianaayres4007]

Will the military reset the stones?

[@theyfaceeast]

No. The V.A. provides the headstone or grave marker, but the person ordering the headstone from the V.A. is responsible for the costs of setting the stone. Sometimes a cemetery or monument company will set the stone at no charge, but in my experience the cost to set a veteran headstone is $100-$250.

[@dianaayres4007]

Thank you.

[@Crissy_tina]

@@theyfaceeast 💞 I hope his family comes across this great soldier.

[@danielasterling6936]

@@dianaayres4007 BUENOS AYRES

[@danielasterling6936]

@@Crissy_tina NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE NIEVE A R G E N T I N A