ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) - Volunteers gathered Wednesday at Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island, spending the Sept. 11 anniversary honoring the fallen by cleaning headstones and tending to sacred grounds.

Among those volunteering was Elizabeth Fox, who says she wanted her actions to speak louder than words.

“My dad and my grandpa are both veterans,” Fox said. “I know my dad would do this for me, and I’m going to let my actions speak for me today.”

The Rock Island event was one of dozens nationwide, giving the Quad Cities community an active way to remember 9/11 while preserving the legacy of the heroes who served.

For National Cemetery director Matt Tomes, seeing the community come together carries deep meaning.

“People come out and pay their respects and honor the folks t

See Full Page