An Alabama Man Who Provides Free Lawn Care To Veterans Wants To Mow Arlington National Cemetery – And The State’s Senators Are Working To Make It Happen

That’s what it’s all about.

Several government officials from Alabama are working to make it happen after a Huntsville man offered to bring his American flag lawnmower to Arlington National Cemetery, his way of honoring the fallen men and women of our military.

If you’re not familiar with Rodney Smith Jr., he’s an incredible guy. An immigrant from Bermuda who’s been in the United States for over 20 years now, Smith is the founder of Raising Men Lawn Care, a nonprofit organization that not only mows yards for the disabled and elderly for free, but empowers young children by offering them a free lawnmower and everything they need to start their own lawn care business after mowing 50 yards for free.

To date, the organization has mowed over 15,000 yards across the country. But Smith has his eye on one that he hasn’t been able to mow…yet.

Smith is currently on a 50 state journey, mowing lawns for veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families and widows in every state across the country. And yesterday, he turned to social media to ask the White House to allow him to mow Arlington National Cemetery:

“Dear White House, I Know this is a kind shot, but My name is Rodney Smith Jr. I live in Huntsville, AL. I’m currently traveling to all 50 states mowing lawns for veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families & widows. I’m also sharing their stories. This is my way of honoring them.

As founder of a nonprofit with 6,000+ kids mowing FREE lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents & veterans nationwide, I’d be honored to bring my USA Flag Mower to mow at the Arlington National Cemetery where veterans rest.”

You love to see it.

Well the White House hasn’t publicly responded to Smith just yet, but they’re aware of his request thanks to some help from both United States Senators from Alabama, as well as the state’s governor.

Senator Tommy Tuberville responded to the post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Rodney, thank you for your dedication and service to honoring those who served our country. Let’s make this happen.”

As did his fellow Senator Katie Britt, who offered her assistance in making it happen:

“Rodney, your story is truly inspiring. Thank you for honoring our nation’s outstanding service members, veterans, and their families. My team is ready to make this happen and elevate your mission.”

And Alabama Governor Kay Ivey also threw her support behind Smith’s mission:

“Rodney, thank you for showing what it means to serve by honoring our veterans and military families. Alabama is proud to call you one of our own, and I’m glad to cheer you on as you carry this mission forward.”

Unfortunately the federal government shutdown might throw a wrench into his plans, but Smith provided an update today and he’s hopeful that it’s going to happen:

“Family, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for your incredible support, messages, and encouragement as we’ve been trying to make mowing at Arlington National Cemetery possible. I also want to thank my local Alabama leaders—our Senators, the Governor, and our Congressman—who personally reached out with calls and have even been in contact with the White House. The White House is now aware of our post and the mission we’re hoping to accomplish.

With the government shutdown happening, things are a bit uncertain—it may happen soon, later, or possibly not at all. I’ve let them know that if needed, I can always complete this 50-state tour first and return at a later date. I also mentioned that if the White House ever needed a trim, it would be my honor to mow there as well.

I just wanted to keep everyone updated. Thank you again for standing with me today—it means more than I can ever put into words. For now, I’ll keep pushing forward. I’ve got a long day of mowing ahead as I near the finish line of this 50-state mowing tour for our heroes who have served this country.”

And as he travels the country, several companies have stepped up to help Smith out on his journey, with Cracker Barrel and Steak ‘n Shake both offering free meals along the way:

You love to see it. For all the negative stories we see everyday, this is what America is truly about.The post An Alabama Man Who Provides Free Lawn Care To Veterans Wants To Mow Arlington National Cemetery – And The State’s Senators Are Working To Make It Happen first appeared on Whiskey Riff.