Andrew Lumish is a good man who wanted to show more respect for forgotten veterans so he goes to the cemetery and takes care of the old gravestones that have fallen in disarray. Andrew, “The Good Cemeterian” as people call him now, works hard to clean off the forgotten tombstones of veterans in the Tampa Bay area.
Andrew exercises the same vigor when it comes to cleaning tombstones as he does to flea problems and also to run his business. He uses water to rinse the tombstones first. He then uses D/2, a chemical compound used for cleaning. He scrubs off years of dirt, mold, and decay.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgPWEdHlEdu/?utm_source=ig_embed
Andrew works for a carpet and upholstery cleaning business in Tampa, Florida. These images are one example of the many graves that Andrew has cleaned off when he gets a day off from work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXY3B0QDX9g/?utm_source=ig_embed
Stones that are used for tombstones can absorb and hold onto large amounts of moisture during and after storms, causing algae and moss to grow. But after Andrew is done with them, they glow brightly in the night, making the cemetery look like it is daytime.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdHFtylXq_/?utm_source=ig_embed
This is a tombstone from the late 1800s that you couldn’t even read before Andrew got to it. It used to be nearly pitch-black and now it is as clean as if it was brand new – even though it is well over 100 years old!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhcqp7hBPXY/?utm_source=ig_embed
Andrew has actually studied the proper way to clean off gravestones. He uses the same exact chemicals and techniques that every United States national cemetery does when they clean their tombstones. He says that it may take three months to completely restore a gravestone.
Andrew heads to the cemeteries with his wife who is there to support and help him anyway that he needs. Andrew also posts before and after pictures of his work on his Facebook page, gaining him a large number of followers who praise him for his work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgZ1B5BOTE/?utm_source=ig_embed
Andrew always provides a brief description of the person whose tombstone he has restored. He researches the person to learn more about their life and death in order to honor them even years later.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhun_ALBqEZ/?utm_source=ig_embed
Andrew does not have any connection to any of the people whose graves he has restored. He only knows what he does thorough research. He has spent more than five years working on this endeavor with no plans to stop. He does not want any of these men or women to be forgotten.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlG-39Ch7Go/?utm_source=ig_embed
The Department of Veteran Affairs honored Andrew for his work. Not only have they acknowledged and appreciated his service, so have many of the families of the deceased. Andrew receives regular calls from families who cannot maintain their loved one’s gravestones and appreciate everything Andrew is doing for them.
Andrew is very proud that he has the ability to clean and restore the tombstones of fallen veterans. He wishes that his work will spread awareness for those who may have been forgotten. He is a true inspiration to all of us and we continue to applaud his amazing work!
What did you think of this incredible story? Let us know your thoughts and show this touching article to your friends and family!