City plans memorial expansion

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Greencastle's roadside memorial to local men and women who served in the military will grow by 35 trees this year, adding to the more than 100 that are already in place.

City Street Commissioner Paul Wilson, who oversees the project that was started two years ago, said there are currently 112 trees of different varieties that have been planted on the north side of Veterans Memorial Highway. Planting of the new ones will begin in the near future as weather and time allow.

Organizers of the memorial tree project felt the otherwise indistinctive stretch of highway on the city's South Side didn't live up to its name.

Residents were invited to purchase tree packages, including a flowering tree and a memorial plaque, to honor family members who either died or continue to serve in the military.

The project has been met with much success and has gained state and national honors since its inception.

Last January, the International Society of Arboriculture, through the Indiana Arborist Association, awarded the Greencastle Memorial Tree Project with its annual Gold Leaf Award.

Wilson attended a ceremony in Indianapolis where he received the award on behalf of the city and the many local organizations that contributed financially to the project.

"We owe so much to the veterans who protected us from evil," Wilson said in a letter. "This program gives notice to the veterans of this great nation and creates a beautiful urban forest. We also want future generations to enjoy the trees in the urban landscape."

Wilson said Wednesday that he will not be accepting anymore applications for tree packages for this year's planting period.

"We need to get the names that we have to the plaque maker and get the project trees lined up for this year," Wilson said.

Applications will, however, be accepted for the 2008 planting.

"Thanks to everyone for supporting their veterans," Wilson said.

For questions or to order a tree package, call the Department of Public Works at 653-3391.

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