Veteran’s Day - Planting Trees to Celebrate Veterans and First Responders

​On November 12 Green Interchange organized a tree-planting ceremony to honor veterans and first responders at Fire Station #10 in Clarksville, TN. Congressman Mark Green, an army veteran, recognized veterans at the ceremony. Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts also spoke, declaring November 12 as Arbor Day for the City of Clarksville.     

Volunteers planted a variety of native oak trees including Northern Red, Nuttall, Pin, and Shumard Oak Trees. The oak symbolizes  “valor, resilience, strength and permanence,” according to Smithsonian horticulturist Brett McNish. Oak trees were included on the original Medal of Honor design, and military award recipients today receive a silver encrusted cluster of oak leaves and acorns along with their medal. 

Representatives from the City of Clarksville Forestry Department, the Clarksville Tree Board, Clarksville Fire Rescue, and Bridgestone Americas helped with planting.  Also participating was Operation Stand Down, Tennessee State Veterans Home, Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, and the Clarksville Montgomery County Green Certification Program. The event was sponsored by Bridgestone Americas.