Region's youth honor 9/11 through service at Grandview Cemetery

BONNERS FERRY — Youth from the Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — stretching from Newport, Washington, to Libby, Montana — gathered in Bonners Ferry to clean and restore Grandview Cemetery in honor of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

The federally recognized observance (911day.org) invites Americans each year to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, through meaningful acts of service. Across the United States, millions of volunteers take part in projects that strengthen their communities. In North Idaho alone, 51 congregations participated in service efforts from the Canadian border to Lewiston.

At Grandview Cemetery, nearly 100 young people worked together scraping away dirt and lichen from headstones, leaving the cemetery cleaner and more welcoming for families and visitors. President Taylor Williams, Bonners Ferry Stake President, reflected on the day:

“We had a wonderful experience together cleaning the Grandview Cemetery, scraping away dirt and lichen from around headstones to leave the cemetery tidier and inviting to all who visit," Williams said. "Hopefully family and friends who visit the graves of their loved ones will have an enhanced experience knowing others care for them. The impact of about 100 young people working together reaches beyond the work accomplished in removing the growth and grime of the years—the chance to be involved in service together brightened everyone’s day and helped us all feel the joy of working together with a focus on others. As we followed the example of Jesus Christ in going about doing good and looking beyond ourselves, we gained increased perspective, in a time when we all need the reminder of the good in the world.”

The projects are part of the Church’s JustServe initiative, which links volunteers with service opportunities throughout the year. More information is available at JustServe.org.