Teens from the First Presbyterian Church in Texarkana spent Friday morning cleaning veterans’ grave markers at Rose Hill Cemetery.

And it was not a form of punishment, rather a voluntary act of appreciation to those who fought to protect the nation in years passed.

“It’s really important because they served our country and they are a big part of what our country is, so just to honor them even when they’re dead is a really good thing to do. We just can’t forget them,” said 15-year-old Ruth Arnold, a member of the church’s youth group and the pastors’ daughter.