John Deere Honors Arlington National Cemetery

On a sunny day in late July, hundreds of landscape professionals, industry
suppliers and manufacturers volunteered their time and resources to improve the
grounds at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Renewal and Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery and Historic
Congressional Cemetery, a program now in its 10th year, is organized annually by
the Professional Landcare Network, or PLANET, an international association of
landscaping professionals.

The event draws on the knowledge and resources of various professionals, from
local landscapers to internationally recognized manufacturers. This year, more
than 250 people from 27 states contributed products and services valued at more
than $250,000.

For the past five years, John Deere has participated in the event by
contributing both time and equipment to the effort. This year, the John Deere
Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division donated the use of several compact
utility tractors, a 110 TLB and Gator utility vehicles, as well as irrigation
equipment and trees from John Deere Landscapes. In addition to the equipment and
supplies, several John Deere employees donated their time and efforts to the
project.

“We were thrilled that more employees participated this year and that they
brought their families,” said Gilbert Pena, segment strategy manager, John Deere
Business-to-Business. “At John Deere, we’re committed to helping sustain a
renewable, green environment from backyards to national landmarks, and Arlington
is a symbol that embodies our national heritage as well as our country’s ideals.
We hope to see even more employees participate next year.”

Services rendered at Arlington included applying lime to almost 300 acres,
installing an irrigation system and planting trees and shrubs, as well as
weeding, pruning and even cabling large trees to prevent splitting. The work
completed on July 24 will help the cemetery maintain a healthy, manicured state
throughout the year.

Jerry Schmidt, area manager for John Deere Landscapes for Northern Virginia
and Washington, D.C., helped coordinate some of the donated supplies and spent
the day assisting with installation.

“I was extremely proud to see John Deere so active in this event,” said
Schmidt, explaining the
personal importance of his company’s involvement. “I
just retired with over 20 years in the National Guard, and I have friends buried
at Arlington. It was an honor to be a part of this project.”