Lincoln Memorial “Landmower Man” receives new chain saw at National Mall

The one-man “Memorial Militia” Chris Cox made national news last month during the government shutdown by mowing and cleaning the National Mall before the Million Vet March. Cox returned to the Lincoln Memorial Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. to receive a chain saw and other donations from around the country through charity crowdfunding site www.CrowdItForward.com and Stihl Inc.

Cox is a South Carolina woodcutting artist who brought his own mowing and woodcutting tools to the Lincoln Memorial in October and inspired a nation with his selflessness by mowing, clearing fallen trees, and emptying trash to keep the area safe and clean during the shutdown for veterans who would be visiting the coming weekend. In order to do so, Cox worked tirelessly for days, refused any tips or compensation, and refused to politicize his acts during several national media appearances.

Overwhelmed by hundreds of e-mails, thousands of social media posts and financial support of 72 nationwide donors to the Crowd It Forward crowdfunding campaign set up without his knowledge, Cox finally agreed to accept a new chain saw and a financial donation to cover some of the costs of leaving his business to contribute to his country and to cover the cost of several hundred dollars of parking tickets he received and damage to his equipment while doing his good deeds. The Stihl MS660 professional chain saw given to Cox was graciously donated by Stihl Inc.

The Chris Cox story and the Crowd It Forward campaign may be seen by visiting www.CrowdItForward.com and searching for “Memorial Militia.”