Editor's note: Due to predicted rain on Saturday, this event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8 a.m. in the same location. 

Student veterans and staff from the University of Delaware, Delaware Tech and Wilmington University are partnering with other veteran service organizations around the state to clean about 7,000 grave markers and memorial benches. The clean up is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, at 8 a.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the address for which is 2465 Chesapeake City Road in Bear.

Brooks Raup, UD’s student veteran services coordinator, said the idea dawned on him one day and he called the local cemetery to see what was possible. Once he got the okay, he reached out to veteran organizations around the state. Raup said the support for this idea has been unbelievable.

“This project definitely wasn’t just put together by me or UD,” Raup said. “It was a collaborative effort.”

For example, he brainstormed with David Strawbridge, Delaware Tech director of veterans services, to decide what products would be best to clean the grave markers. After visiting the cemetery and testing it themselves, they decided to use WD-40. The benches will be power-washed.

All cleaning materials will be provided. Raup recommends bringing gloves and wearing comfortable clothing. Refreshments will also be provided.

Raup noted they plan to stay until all the grave markers are clean, so there is no definitive timetable for how long the event will last.

If you are planning to participate or would like further information, please contact Raup directly at braup@udel.edu.