Sunday, April 07, 2013

Toledo seeking families of fallen service members for Arbor Day tribute


Press Release:

CITY OF TOLEDO TO HONOR FALLEN SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN IN ARBOR DAY TRIBUTE

Invites families of those killed in action to participate


As part of the 2013 Arbor Day celebration, the City of Toledo Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry will plant trees in memoriam of Toledo residents who have lost their lives during military conflict.

The city is inviting family members of those Toledo residents who have been killed in action during military service to participate in the tree planting ceremony in memory of their loved one. Those interested in taking part are asked to complete an application providing brief biographical information about the veteran to be memorialized. Applications are available online at www.toledo.oh.gov or by contacting the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry at 419.245.3357. Applications must be returned by April 19, 2013.

Approximately 50 blossoming cherry trees will be planted as a Veterans Memorial Grove in the Parkside Blvd. median between Dorr Street and Mount Vernon during a ceremony to take place April 29, 2013. The city does not ordinarily plant memorial trees on behalf of individual residents; however the visually distinct tree planting is a significant way to observe the dedicated service of these men and women in uniform.

All trees will be planted in a public right of way that is maintained by the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and will serve to replace trees cleared due recent utility work. The trees will be provided by the City of Toledo and the service members will be recognized in a proclamation by the Mayor recognizing April 29, 2013 as Arbor Day in Toledo.

For 32 years Toledo has been recognized as a Tree City, USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the commitment to maintain quality of life by planting trees in cemeteries, boulevards, streets, and parks, and for recognizing Arbor Day as a holiday that uniquely celebrates a living thing. Previous City of Toledo Arbor Day events have involved local school students, community and church group, the Toledo Urban Forestry Commission and various parks boards and commissions.

Denny Garvin, Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is available for interview as is Mrs. Dale Chapman, a participant who will honor her grandson at the 2013 Arbor Day ceremony. For interviews or more information the media are asked contact Jen Sorgenfrei at 419-467-1876.

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