Volunteers, Air Force Sergeants Association honored for Oakland Cemetery cleanup

Hampton City Council honored volunteers who have helped restore and maintain Oakland Cemetery during a council "Spotlights on Citizens" presentation at the council's 6:00 p.m. meeting. Brian Mackenzie introduced the cemetery's history and volunteer efforts and asked the council to present a plaque to Jennifer and Steve Stribley and the Air Force Sergeants Association Raptor Chapter.

"Hampton is home to more than 70 cemeteries," Mackenzie said, noting Oakland Cemetery is more than five acres and contains burials dating to the 1700s. He told the council that "about 4,000 people are buried there, 60% of whom are veterans," and credited a Sept. 2014 cleanup organized by the Raptor Chapter that drew more than 200 volunteers and led to an ongoing commitment from the association.

Mayor Wallace presented a plaque on behalf of the council and thanked the many partner groups Mackenzie had cited. A representative of the recipients thanked the council and listed other partner groups from Langley Air Force Base and local organizations that supported the cleanup and continuing stewardship. The ceremony included a roll call of volunteers and a pledge of continued cooperation between neighborhood groups and volunteer organizations.

The recognition did not include any formal city action to take ownership of private cemeteries; Mackenzie emphasized the city "does not have the legal authority" to work on privately owned grave sites without owner approval and credited volunteers for stepping in to maintain neglected grounds. The council gave pins to members of the volunteer groups and adjourned the spotlight presentation with plans for additional cleanups and Memorial Day flag placements.