Small groups work to maintain the graves, particularly those of the Buffalo soldiers; I’m looking for more volunteers

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A north Alabama man travels to Mobile every three weeks to clear out an overgrown cemetery where the graves of Buffalo Soldiers are hidden in the brush. He is looking for more local volunteers.

While many people were spending their Memorial Day on the beach or grilling with friends, Alvin Crawford, a military veteran, began cutting down weeds and overgrown trees at 7 a.m. at the cemetery in Oaklawn.

“I came on a search about five years ago to try to find my in-laws’ graves,” Crawford said. “At that time the cemetery was overgrown, as you can still see. »

Most of the visible headstones in Oaklawn Cemetery can only be seen over tall grass or hidden through thick brush. Next to many of them are neglected American flags.

“God knows, they can’t do it themselves,” Crawford said. “Why can’t we take care of them and help them along their journey? »

Oaklawn Cemetery is not owned by the city and is privately owned. However, it is abandoned.

The Alabama Historical Commission does not regulate cemetery maintenance and cannot require landowners to maintain their cemeteries. The role of the Historic Cemeteries Commission is to maintain the Alabama Register of Historic Cemeteries and issue cemetery permits.

Individuals are permitted to maintain sections of Oaklawn Cemetery as they wish.

“We can go to the beach on days like today, but it’s Memorial Day, and there’s a saying that ‘We all gave some, but some gave it all,'” Crawford said. “I see flags on the highway on the back of trucks, supporting and shouting about veterans. I don’t want you to talk to me about it; I want you to take care of it.

Crawford urged local volunteers to step in regularly to help maintain the cemetery.

“Everything is done in moderation… With the help of the people of Mobile coming forward and coming forward, we will make a big effort next time,” Crawford said.

Crawford plans to be back at the cemetery June 15 to continue working.

“At the very least, have some respect. Because one day, surely, you’re going to die,” Crawford said.

For those wishing to help, Crawford can be reached at (256) 245-1025. Crawford is from Sylacauga, Alabama.