FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Town of Stratford today unveiled a new addition to Veterans Memorial Green with a special tree planting. The seedling, planted with help from grade two students of Stratford’s Glen Stewart Primary School, is a descendant of an English Oak tree fallen at Vimy Ridge during the battle in World War I.
“We were so pleased to have students from Glen Stewart Primary School joining us today,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “These students are the future leaders in our community, champions of our environment and keepers of our history. I truly believe that an event like they participated in today will have a lasting impression on them.”
The third Friday in May is recognized in PEI as Arbour Day and was a fitting day for this special tree planting. Along with the tree planting, students moved between stations where they learned from Town of Stratford staff, Stratford and Area Watershed Improvement Group staff and the English Oak provider Jim Landry about stewardship, tree and seed identification, were able to plant a seed to take with them and received a white spruce to plant at their home or other special location.
“Today I had the privilege to speak with a lawn full of grade two students from Stratford,” Jim Landry, executive director of Landscape New Brunswick added. “I was able to tell them about the oak tree from Vimy Ridge that we were planting in their community, and how it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of those who serve to protect our freedom. We then had a dialog about the value of trees and how we all need to work to make this planet more habitable for them. The kids today were brilliant and attentive.”
Residents are encouraged to view the four interpretive panels located on Veterans Memorial Green at Stratford Town Centre, 234 Shakespeare Drive, and to watch this new tree seedling as it grows into a strong oak tree.
“This project would not have been possible without the foresight of members of the Town’s Heritage Subcommittee,” said Ogden. “I thank them and our staff leadership, along with Jim who was able to join us in person today and make this such a wonderful, special event. I hope all residents will visit the newly planted oak tree which can now be found on our Veterans Memorial Green. We will have a plaque commemorating today installed in the very near future as well to recognize this event for years to come.”
The Town of Stratford would like to recognize and thank members of the Heritage Committee for their leadership and assistance with this latest project.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
P: (902) 569-1995
E: [email protected]
W: www.townofstratford.ca
Printable Version:
Media Release - Stratford Plants Special Oak Tree (May 17, 2024)
Photos:
IMG_7097.JPG
IMG_7101.JPG
IMG_7107.JPG
IMG_7109.JPG
IMG_7112.JPG