The very first cohort of veterans to complete the Veterans Green Careers Training Program at Evergreens Cemetery graduated on Wednesday.

The veterans received paid college-level courses and hands-on landscaping training from The Davey Institute.

The pilot program was funded by the City Council's Veterans Affairs Committee.

Some of the veterans already have job prospects, while others are simply grateful for the opportunity to learn something new.

"You're with people you can relate to and you can talk to every day, it gives you a sense of purpose to get up every morning," said John Robinson, one of the graduating veterans.

Councilmember Sandy Nurse, who helped fund the program, and the cemetery say they hope to expand the program next year.