NEWS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2008  

PROCLAMATION

"ARBOR DAY" 

In 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. This holiday, called ARBOR DAY, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products. Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor of the City of Sumter, do hereby proclaim Friday, December 5, 2008 as

"ARBOR DAY"

 in the 

  CITY OF SUMTER

and urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our City's urban forestry program. Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of present and future generations.

                                                                                                                Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor