MODERN WOODMEN of AMERICA - Plant A Tree Journal

For over 35 years we have enjoyed living in a thickly wooded area and do everything possible to keep them healthy. We have lost a tree here or there over the years. When a tree dies on our land, we plant two to replace it. This ensures the forest will remain stable. Now the Plant A Tree program is helping us ensure the beauty around us as well. The two "Modern Woodmen trees" we planted in 2004 and 2005 are growing nicely, and we enjoy watching them grow.
- Red Oaks planted in 2004 and 2005, by Donna and John in New Berlin, Wis.

The tree was planted in memory of my father who died on Nov. 17, 2004. I planted the tree on the year anniversary of his death at the site where he died.
- Red Oak planted on Nov. 17, 2005, by Bethany in Hilliard, Ohio

My husband and I welcomed our first child - a beautiful little girl named Morgahanne. My grandmother started the tradition by planting a beautiful maple at the death of my uncle, so I thought it would be a great idea to continue the tradition with the full cycle of life and celebrate the birth of our daughter. We were afraid the little tree would not make it through the winter, since we planted it so late in the season. But, the little tree had spirit and is doing VERY well with healthy leaves and strong roots. It is growing healthy and strong just like our daughter.
- Sugar Maple planted on Nov. 3, 2004, by Jennifer in Springfield, Ohio

My grandmother loved the redbuds when we always went to her hometown in Spencer, West Virginia, but living here in Akron, Ohio, I never saw many redbuds. My grandmother passed away in April of 1999. I received a redbud tree from Modern Woodmen and planted it in memory of her. I purchased two more redbuds and gave them to my mom and her sister, so we will all have a memory of Grandma. Thank you so much for such a beautiful memory.
- Redbud planted by Kay in Akron, Ohio

"I planted a Red Maple tree in honor of the marriage of my son and daughter-in-law. They were married on May 14, 2005."
- Red Maple planted on June 7, 2005, by Ken in Pierre, SD.

I have always been aware of the importance of planting trees for our environment. My Dad and I planted a windbreak at the farm 55 years ago. I planted 1,000 blue spruce on my 10 acres in Blaine 20 years ago. I feel bad when I drive by housing developments that don't have the luxury of trees for the many birds and other living creatures that are with us every day. Thanks for offering free trees. I look forward to it, although this is only my second year of planting a tree from you.
- Flowering Crab planted on May 24, 2005, by Grace in Blaine, Minn.

My son has been in the Air Force for just over one year. As a tribute to him and his service this Memorial Day, I planted this tree. I will continue to do so each year he serves. I will love to tell my future grandchildren about this special tree. Thank you, Modern Woodmen.
- Red oak planted on May 16, 2005, by Pam in Prairie du Sac, Wis.

My wife was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2002. She had chemotherpy and radiation. Her treatment was over in May 2003. My wife, daughter, and I planted this tree to celebrate life. Also, to remember my grandmother, uncle, and her grandfather who died of cancer in 2002 — all within 6 weeks, from the last week of April to first week of June.
- Red oak planted on May 16, 2005, by Larry in Lafayette, Tenn.

"My father died in an auto accident eight days before my first birthday, so I never had a chance to personally know him. I was adopted by another family, however my father's family always kept in touch and shared his memories with me. I planted this tree in remembrance of my father whoI did not have the great opportunity to share life on earth with, but to show him that his life can be shown through angels showering this tree with life. I may not remember my father, but I certainly love and miss him. Thank you Modern Woodmen for allowing me to share this moment of life with your Plant A Tree program."
- Redbud planted on May 13, 2005, by Tammy in Burlington, N.C.

The tree was given as a gift to my mom from her oldest granddaughter.
- Colorado Blue Spruce planted on May 12, 2005, by Carol in Holland, Ohio

Our son helped us plant our tree for our 50th wedding anniversary. We hope to watch it mature - it will be a nice memory for our family. Thank you!
- Red oak planted on May 9, 2005, by Paul and Sylvia in Elkhorn, Wis.

When the city put in the bike trail behind our home, they took down and cut back many trees. This new Maple was planted to provide shade and beauty to the bike trail and our yard.
- Sugar Maple planted in April 2005 by Catherine in Madison, Wis.

My mother-in-law passed away on March 17, 2005, and we planted this sugar maple tree as a constant reminder of her many acts of kindness to our family. She was 97 years old; so by the time this tree is 97, it will have served many of our families shade and comfort. It is growing and has leafed out nicely. Many thanks to Modern Woodmen.
- Sugar maple planted on April 28, 2005, by Mary in Martin, S.D.

Since my grandmother passed away three years ago, my family decided to have a garden in honor of her. I think that is a great way to do something for someone you really loved. I would like to thank Modern Woodmen for a great program like this.
- Sugar maple planted on April 23, 2005, by Patina in Jackson, Ga.

We planted two trees for two reasons. One tree, the Flowering Crab was for me to show my special little nephew how you can grow and nurture something from our great earth ... Our second tree is the Redbud. This one was for Kendric to plant as he chooses. It was planted on the same day as mine. He decided that he wanted it to be a memorial for his great grandfather who passed away on March 2nd of this year ... Kendric made me very proud, as this will be a remembrance of someone he loved dearly. We will water our trees and watch them grow together. Thank you, Modern Woodmen, for the Plant A Tree program.
- Redbud and fowering crab planted on April 18, 2005, by Linda & Kendric in Sabattus, Maine

My father passed away last year. He was a firm believer in Modern Woodmen. We became members after his passing. We thought it would be appropriate to plant our trees in memory of him. We miss him so much, and now each time we see a new leaf appear we smile thinking of him. Thank you so much for sending us our trees.
- Flowering crabs planted on April 15, 2005, by Stan and Stephanie in Gainesville, Ga.

Just wanted to let you know we received our red maple tree. We planted it in our front yard. In the past few years, we have planted thousands of trees through government CRP programs. All the trees have been planted on farm acres. We have oaks, black walnuts, pines and ornamentals. We think Modern Woodmen's Plant A Tree Program is a wonderful contribution to the environment in making the public aware of the importance of planting new trees. We wanted to thank you for sending the red maple to us.
- Red Maple planted on April 12, 2005, by Terry and Anne in Covington, Ind.

My wife and I live on one acre of land, and this tree is a nice addition. As time progress it will become a nice one to decorate at Christmas. We are having a hard time picking which kind of tree for next year.
- Colorado blue spruce planted on April 5, 2005, by Kevin in Ivins, Utah

We planted our tree in our front yard after we found out we were having a baby and bought our new home. We thought it would be a good way to celebrate our joy. The tree can grow with our new baby.
- Red Maple planted on March 30, 2005, by Samantha in Warner Robins, Ga.

My husband of five years is adopting my 15-year-old son. I am waiting for the court date now. It is should be before Christmas. We will plant the tree that day as a reminder to my son that all things have a reason and a season … The growth of the new makes beauty for all around.
- Red oak to be planted by Peggy and Zac in Essex, Mo.

My husband of 15 years, Jim, passed away June 23, 2004. I ordered a tree as a memorial. It arrived the day prior to the anniversary of his birthday. Our 4-year-old grandson, Dawson, helped me plant the “Papa Jim” tree in the backyard so that we can see it flower each spring. I am sure we will enjoy it for years to come. Thank you, Modern Woodmen of America, for helping us celebrate a special life.
- Flowering crab planted on Nov. 28, 2004, by Beth in Robbins, N.C.

We planted the tree as a replacement for one of our favorite trees that died. We are looking forward to seeing the new tree grow. We thank Modern Woodmen for the opportunity to plant this new tree.
- Red maple planted on Nov. 15, 2004, by Mary in Bloomfield, Mo.

My wife and I read about the Plant A Tree Program and thought it would be a great idea to commemorate the birth of our new firstborn son Riley, who was born Oct. 30, 2004. After we planted the tree, we brought the baby out, and we all took pictures … our new son and our tree. Perhaps in 20 or 30 years Riley will look back on that day and know how special it was. Thanks for the opportunity to celebrate life with life.
- Red oak planted on Nov. 14, 2004, by Mike in Miller Grove, Texas

Several members of Modern Woodmen Camp 11121 from Johnstown, Penn., volunteered at the Memorial Chapel for Flight 93 in Shanksville, Penn. On Nov. 13, 2004, we delivered and planted the trees at the Chapel with the help of the Greater Johnstown High School National Honor Society. All together, we planted five flowering crab trees, two sugar maples and one red maple. This was all done under the guidance of The Rev. Alphonse T. Mascherino, the director of the Flight 93 Chapel.
- Flowering crab planted on Nov. 13, 2004, by Bruce in Shanksville, Pa.

I’ve lost four trees in my backyard over the last 25 years due to disease and bugs. When your offer came, I knew it was a Godsend. I have planted three large trees, and soon I'll plant my second small one. I believe we should replace some of the ones which been burned down in the last few years because of the forest fires.
- Redbud planted on Nov. 8, 2004, by Floyd in San Antonio, Texas

My husband passed away suddenly 10 years ago, and I did not get to say goodbye. That bothers me … so, now I can talk to the tree.
- Redbud planted on Nov. 6, 2004, by Janet in Kannapolis, N.C.

I received my tree a few weeks after my great grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We planted the tree in honor of my granny and her life. Eleven days after planting the tree, granny’s life on earth ended. Now when I see the tree at then end of the driveway, I always think of my granny. This tree has a special meaning to me.
- Redbud planted on Nov. 1, 2004, by Destiny in Morgantown, Ky.

My parent’s Maltese, Barney, died this past summer, and I wanted to do something special because they loved their adorable white fluff ball so much. As I was searching Modern Woodmen’s Web site, I came across the Plant A Tree Program, so we planted a tree in memory of Barney. My parents were thrilled with this idea, and my dad calls it the “Barn Tree.” Thanks for the wonderful opportunity,
Modern Woodmen.
- Redbud planted on Oct. 27, 2004, by Angie in Rock Island, Ill.

We were excited about planting the tree for the occasion of my daughter starting school. She shared in the excitement and helped plant the tree. The red maple is a beautiful tree. We look forward to seeing it grow. Thank you for the beautiful tree.
- Red maple planted on Sept. 12, 2004, by Susan in Brewton, Ala.