Tulsa Cemetery Volunteers Maintain Dignity for Forgotten Graves

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On a windy spring morning at Rose Hill cemetery in Tulsa, the sounds of a soothing wind chime competed with the vigor of a scrub brush as volunteers from the Shining Honor organization worked to clean and restore neglected gravesites. The group's mission is to provide dignity and care for forgotten burial plots across Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Cemeteries can often become neglected, especially for those who have no living family members to maintain their graves. Shining Honor's volunteer efforts help preserve the memory and dignity of those interred, while also fostering a sense of community stewardship over these important historical sites.

The details

The Shining Honor group, led by founder Erin Wambo, regularly organizes cleanup days at cemeteries across the state. On this day at Rose Hill, the volunteers used brushes, rakes, and other tools to clear away overgrown weeds and debris, revealing the headstones and markers that had been obscured. Their work helps ensure these burial sites remain respectfully maintained.

• On a windy spring morning, the Shining Honor volunteers gathered at Rose Hill cemetery in Tulsa.
• The group organizes regular cleanup days at cemeteries across Oklahoma throughout the year.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Shining Honor plans to organize additional cemetery cleanup events throughout the year, focusing on sites across Oklahoma that have fallen into disrepair and neglect.