1/20/2026 9:00:00 AM
For many Veterans, burial benefits are often the only VA benefit they utilize—making the care of these sacred grounds deeply meaningful for the families and friends who visit. Loved ones come to these cemeteries seeking quiet moments of remembrance, and the condition of the landscape directly shapes their experience.
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Duluth, one of four state Veterans cemeteries operated by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), spans 104 acres and serves as a final resting place for more than 1,000 Veterans, spouses and dependents. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, 228 individuals were laid to rest there.
The daily operation and maintenance of such an expansive space falls to the dedicated MDVA staff of eight but is supported annually by companies who volunteer with the nonprofit, Saluting Branches. “Throughout the year our team is responsible for this important work and Saluting Branches allows our team to collaborate with our community in a meaningful way,” said Duluth Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.
MDVA recently recognized Zielies Tree Service for their contribution during the 2025 Saluting Branches event in September. The Zielies team donated a full day of labor, equipment and expertise to clear trees and improve the safety and appearance of the cemetery—work of a significant value if contracted commercially. Twelve volunteer specialists, along with trucks, tools and training, made up the contribution.
The partnership reflects a strong community stewardship. Their volunteerism helps ensure the grounds remain a peaceful, well‑maintained place of reflection.
Josh Gillman and John Peck, senior safety representatives at Zielies Tree Service, have led multiple volunteer teams at MDVA cemeteries. “The Duluth cemetery is such a special place,” Gillman said. “I’ve built many friendships with MDVA staff. It’s more than just a working relationship.”
Each year, they also incorporate training for MDVA staff on tree health and general maintenance.
“The opportunity for learning is just as valuable as the work Zielies provides, because it allows our staff to connect with subject matter experts,” Johnson said. “Building on the knowledge of our staff is key to properly caring for mature and newly planted trees.” The cemetery undergoes a compliance review every three years under the Veterans Cemeteries Grants Program administered by the National Cemetery Administration.
The volunteer program is organized by Saluting Branches with support from the National Cemetery Administration. Each September, the nonprofit hosts a national volunteer day of service at more than 100 locations, engaging 5,000 volunteers and contributing an estimated $5 million in donated services. Company sponsorships help cover travel, equipment and meals for volunteers. The organization’s mission is to honor American service members by organizing volunteer tree and landscape care at properties dedicated to Veterans, including cemeteries, Veterans homes and hospitals.
“This is a way to honor American service men and women by giving back to Veterans in the community on a national scale,” said Board Member Samantha Hickey. “Not only do we want the space to be safe, but visiting families appreciate the beauty and serenity of a well‑manicured lawn.”
For many participating companies, the mission aligns with their values. “It goes beyond landscaping and tree work. It gives our volunteers an opportunity to give back in a tangible way to people they have a deep connection to,” she said. “Caring for places dedicated to Veterans makes an impact on their families and friends, and it stays with them—and us—long after the tree limbs are hauled away.”
Zielies Tree Service plans to continue their annual tradition of caring for the hallowed grounds at MDVA cemeteries. “We do it for the people that gave their all for this country—for the commitment and sacrifice they made,” Gillman said. “This is an easy way to give back.”
For more information, visit Saluting Branches.
