28 The Courier sun • MAY 21, 2015 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com ▶memorial day Woodhaven Memorial Trees to be decorated in Forest Park BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected]/@A_GiudiceReport Woodhaven is doing its part to remember those who gave their lives in defense of the country during World War I, just in time for Memorial Day. For the first time in over 70 years, the Memorial Trees in Forest Park will be decorated with red, white and blue bows thanks to a joint effort by Project Woodhaven, American Legion Post 118 and the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society. “In the process of research with the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, we found old news clippings about the Memorial Trees in Forest Park,” said Ed Wendell of Project Woodhaven. “We did some further research and pieced together the story of how after World War I people all over were looking for ways to commemorate those who died. In Woodhaven, they come up with the idea of planting trees for those who died from Woodhaven.” In 1919, 53 trees were planted, with 17 more added in later years to bring the total to 70 trees. In the years after the trees were planted, the women of the American Legion would adorn them with patriotic bows, and the families of the fallen soldiers would visit the trees in remembrance of their lost loved ones. As time marched on, this tradition was slowly forgotten, Some of the Memorial Trees in Forest Park that will be decorated with patriotic bows. but the 53 original trees remain in Forest Park. To celebrate the revival of this once-forgotten tradition, the 53 trees will be reintroduced to the community during a reception on Thursday at Oak Ridge in Forest Park from 5 to 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of Project Woodhaven During the reception, there will be a slideshow about this piece of Woodhaven’s forgotten history where guests will learn about the young men who died during the war and about Woodhaven during the WWI era. Light refreshments will be served. Please join me this Memorial Day in taking the time to remember and pray for all those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom and our country. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. New York State Senator District 15 District Offices 159-53 102nd Street Howard Beach, NY 11414 TEL: (718) 738-1111 FAX: (718) 322-5760 66-85 73rd Place Middle Village, NY 11379 TEL: (718) 497-1630 FAX: (718) 497-1761 This Memorial Day, salute the men and women who protected our great country and made the ultimate sacrifice. We thank you for your service and we will always remember... New York City Council Member Paul A. Vallone Paid for by We Support Paul Vallone INTERNS WANTED NEWSPAPER IN QUEENS EDITORIAL & WEB [email protected]
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