ST. LOUIS — In the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, a father and son are spending their summer brushing up on history – quite literally.
Zach Leonard and his 10-year-old son Lincoln have embarked on an unusual project at Calvary Cemetery, armed with brushes, scrapers, and a special cleaning solution. Their mission? To restore long-neglected headstones to their former glory.
"I think it's important to resolve history," Lincoln explained. "If you don't, it's gonna get lost. And to know your past is very important."
What began as a curiosity quickly became a calling for the Leonards. They initially came to Calvary Cemetery searching for their own family roots but found themselves planting seeds of remembrance for countless others.
The catalyst for their project was the discovery of Zach's great-grandfather, a veteran of both World Wars. "We found out that I had a great-grandfather, his great-great-grandfather, who was a veteran of World War I and World War II," Zach recounted.
This great-grandfather, James Leonard, was buried somewhere in the sprawling grounds of Calvary. When they finally located his grave, they were dismayed by its condition.
"We could really only make out the A-M-E-S of the James. You couldn't really see Leonard," Zach remembered. "We were like, 'We should clean this.'"
With determination and elbow grease, father and son set out to unveil the stories etched in stone. The experience has been profound for both.
"It's really an incredible feeling because you've come there to honor someone and it's almost like they're coming to life a little bit," Zach shared.
Calvary Cemetery, established in 1854, spans 470 acres and is home to over 300,000 graves. While it's the final resting place for notable figures like General William Tecumseh Sherman and Dred Scott, the Leonards aren't just focused on the famous. They're on a mission to honor all who served, one headstone at a time.
For Lincoln, the importance of their work goes beyond the physical act of cleaning.
"If you don't know your past, you can't learn from it and you can't move on," he wisely observed.
This project has become about more than just cleaning headstones for the Leonards. It's a way to connect with history and with each other. Zach hopes the experience imparts valuable life lessons to his son.
"I hope that he learns that acts of kindness don't require an organization or donations," he said.
Lincoln has already internalized this message.
"Even if it's something small, everything makes a difference in some way. And it can affect a lot of people," he said.
In Calvary Cemetery, where time seems to stand still, these two generations are ensuring that those who came before us will always shine bright. And as Zach points out, it's an act of kindness anyone can participate in: "It's easy to do really if you're just willing to take the time."
Through their dedicated efforts, the Leonards are not just cleaning headstones – they're preserving history, honoring veterans, and creating lasting memories together. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and the importance of connecting with our past.
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