On a recent, unseasonably warm Saturday morning, I joined a team of approximately 15 KCIC team members in a unique service project here in our nation’s capital. Our task: to rake leaves and clean up the grounds around the Korean War Veterans Memorial, which is certainly one of the most moving sights you can see in Washington, D.C.

Ours was one of three groups that day; the others were from a local elementary school and the University of Kentucky. All of us worked together, quietly moving among the memorial’s life-like soldier statues.

What these memorials mean to veterans and their families certainly gave me pause. As people walked by and thanked us, I realized that what we were doing was about more than just raking leaves. It was about showing respect and gratitude.

We appreciate the opportunity that the U.S. National Park Service offers youth, families, groups and individuals to help care for our national parks. And a big thanks goes to Robert Parrish, KCIC Senior Consultant, for seeking out such a great “community give back” outing for us to enjoy.