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Veterans, families turn out for city's celebration

Monday, May 5, 2008
By Jamie Barrand, Editor
Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray reads a proclamation proclaiming Arbor Day in the city on Saturday at a memorial tree planting ceremony along Veteran's Memorial Highway.

Dozens of people assembled on Veteran's Memorial Highway Saturday to witness the planting of trees to honor local veterans.

The ceremony was in conjunction with the proclamation of Greencastle's Arbor Day. For the ninth year running, Greencastle has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

"Trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal," said Mayor Susan Murray. "I want to leave my children and grandchildren a world not crippled by pollution and ransacked of its natural resources."

Doug Sosbe, left, and Rick Long of the Greencastle Department of Public Works plant a memorial tree Saturday during a ceremony held on Veteran's Memorial Highway.

Murray said tips for being environmentally friendly would be posted on the city's Web site in the near future.

"These are green steps that we can all take and be proud of," she said. "Our chance to make the biggest difference in our world does indeed begin in out own community."

Street Commissioner Paul Wilson said his department diligently keeps track of all tree trimmings and plantings within the city limits.

Lane Ralph, who works in Sen. Richard Lugar's office and is also the president of Greencastle's Tree Board, read a letter from Lugar lauding Greencastle's commitment to tree preservation. Ralph said the plantings on Veteran's Highway were doubly special because they honored veterans.

"We must remember the sacrifices that those in harm's way make for us," he said. "These trees are a physical reminder of the dedication of Putnam County veterans."

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  • Great trees, they look good on Veterans' Hiway. Any way we could have gotten some pot holes around town filled too?

    -- Posted by GRNT on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 6:59 AM

  • Thanks to the VFW for the pancake breakfast beforehand, the members of the National Guard for their part in the presentation, and those involved with the fly over as well. I suppose if no one else can say it, I will. It suprises me that a city with recently deployed guardsmen focuses on trees (which are important)but not giving more credit to the men and women who have served or are serving in the military. Perhaps the ceremony should have taken place closer to Armed Forces Day so that we can focus on the real reason those trees are there.

    -- Posted by jmb on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 2:01 PM

  • I would like to send a special thank you to Paul Wilson for making this day happen. Each year Paul and his team puts together this Veteran's celebration not because he has to, because he WANTS to. If you (people above complaining) think things could have been better than get out and volunteer.

    -- Posted by rockymtngirl on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 12:35 PM

  • Obviously nothing makes you happy (JMB)other than pancakes, you are missing the reason why Paul Wilson puts on this sevice. And as for (GRNT) obviously your not ever satisfied!! Paul everything went wonderful and can't wait to see the service next year, and the trees look beautiful!!!

    -- Posted by mrsobvious on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 3:50 PM
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