Gloucester Institute of Technology students restored the local African American Veterans Cemetery in Franklinville, N.J. The SkillsUSA members were joined by Lowe’s Home Improvement to donate supplies such as plants and paint. Students put their various skills together to create new fencing, build benches, add new landscaping and mow the land, creating a bright new space that recognizes and honors the fallen soldiers. Due to the rich history of the cemetery, students created information brochures to display in newly installed boxes for visitors.
To celebrate the project, local veterans did a presentation of the flag, a 21-gun salute and Civil War reenactments. The cemetery was later dedicated to the three Civil War veterans buried there.