Grafton High School students volunteer at West Virginia National Cemetery

GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — As a way to honor those before them, Grafton High School students took time out of their day on Wednesday to give back to veterans.

About 30 Grafton High School students spent their Wednesday morning helping wash headstones at the West Virginia National Cemetery in honor of Patriots Day.

The West Virginia National Cemetery hosts ceremonies during Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and for Wreaths Across America which typically brings volunteers to help clean headstones. Though cemetery director, Richard Colosky, mentioned that volunteers for Patriot Day haven’t really caught on.

“I think it’s important to get the youth involved, especially an event like this because most of these kids weren’t even alive when Sept. 11 happened. It’s nice to see that they’re coming out and contributing to keeping the memory alive of the veterans who have served and put forward some community service. It helps the cemetery greatly in keeping our national shrine standards,” said Colosky.

You can get involved and volunteer at the West Virginia National Cemetery by contacting the cemetery through its phone number, 304-265-2044, and by getting involved with organizations like Wreaths Across America .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.