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HSC-25 prepares cemetery

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Bahret
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Along Marine Corps Drive and overlooking the Agana Bay, lays a small cemetery occupied by more than 100 of America's heroes who died during World War II. While the nation uses Memorial Day to honor all the military personnel who've died with ceremonies and parades, Sailors from Helicopter Sea Squadron-Two Five have taken a personal approach to honor the Nation's fallen.
Several HSC-25 Sailors devoted the morning of May 25 cutting the lawn and removing debris from the Agana Cemetery in preparation for the holiday weekend.
The Island Knights discovered the cemetery in 2004.
"The command was looking for a community service project to do on the island and discovered the cemetery sitting by itself that needed attention," said Chief Edwin White, from HSC-25.
After some research, the Island Knights discovered that the Agana Cemetery is a Navy memorial cemetery dating back to WWII - a Navy memorial cemetery that needed some work.
Chief White said once they discovered the cemetery's heritage, the unit looked no further. HSC-25 adopted the cemetery in September 2004
While the squadron's commitment to the cemetery began two-and-a-half years ago, the work prior to Memorial Day holds a special significance, said the chief.
"It's heart-warming to me and the others out there to be a part of American history on Guam," he said. "There's a lot of history here going back to World War II. It's a blessing that we're able to be out here to do this for Memorial Day. We're just happy to be out here."
A lot of people have contributed to this
"These veterans gave their lives so that our fellow Americans can enjoy their freedom. To be out here helping make their home look presentable, nice and neat ... it definitely brings a good sense of community service and goodwill," said AZ2 Noah Harnick, who maintains records for the MH-60S Helicopter.
He said Friday's effort was especially significant since it was the beginning of the holiday weekend.
"I think it has a good bearing on the holiday," said AZ2 Harnick. "To be in a veteran cemetery on Memorial Day weekend is probably the greatest thing I could do with my time."