[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4119-S4120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. NELSON of Nebraska (for himself and Mr. Crapo):
  S. 811. A bill to amend title 36, United States Code to designate the

[[Page S4120]]

oak tree as the national tree of the United States; to the Committee on 
the Judiciary.
  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce 
legislation designating the oak tree as an official national emblem. 
This day bears especially great significance for me as a United States 
Senator from Nebraska, since Arbor Day was first celebrated in our 
great state.
  The original seed of this day was planted in 1872 by J. Sterling 
Morton, a newspaper executive and an environmentalist ahead of his 
time. Mr. Morton moved from Michigan to Nebraska City, where he 
discovered a tree-less prairie. In effort to bring some shade to the 
state, he collaborated with Robert Furnas to promote the idea of a 
statewide holiday dedicated to tree planting.
  Mr. Morton authored many articles on the benefits of trees as he 
garnered support for the idea of an Arbor Day. He also became active in 
Nebraska Territory politics, where he continued to voice his aspiration 
for a forested prairie. While Morton is revered as the Father of Arbor 
Day, it was then-Governor Furnas who made the observance official in 
1874 with the first proclamation designating Arbor Day in Nebraska.
  Since then, with the exception of one year, Nebraskans have 
celebrated Arbor Day with pride. The one million trees that were said 
to have been planted on the very first Arbor Day--not to mention all 
the ones since--have had a tremendous impact on the landscape and on 
the lives of Nebraskans. The influence of that first observance has 
continued as each year, during planting season, people from around the 
globe observe the Nebraska-born tradition of Arbor Day.
  Considering the historical significance of Arbor Day to Nebraska, I 
am proud to sponsor this legislation to designate the oak tree, 
selected by Americans in a nationwide vote, as an official emblem of 
the United States. By formally designating a national tree, we honor 
the past and plant hope for an even greener future.
  After all, an oak tree is an appropriate metaphor for the history of 
our country. The United States has grown from the acorn of colonialism 
into a strong, branching entity. Like a maturing oak, our roots are 
deepening, and with each passing year, our core strengthens.
  J. Sterling Morton, as he expounded on the indifference of trees to 
their worldly surroundings, once wrote, ``There is no aristocracy in 
trees.'' To his sentiment, I would add that, ``Instead, there is only 
the humble root of democracy.'' The oak, the symbol of our democracy, 
will always serve as reminder of the vitality and strength that 
permeates our national--as well as natural--history.
  In closing, I would like to thank Senator Mike Crapo for cosponsoring 
this legislation and for his support of this effort. I also want to 
commend each of the voters who participated in the selection process, 
sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The involvement of 
these American citizens has made this legislation possible.
  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to join Senator Ben Nelson in 
introducing legislation to designate the oak tree as America's National 
Tree.
  I am pleased to support an effort that recognizes the importance of 
trees in our lives and our nation's heritage. Trees provide a number of 
societal benefits and, as a renewable resource, can provide these 
benefits generation after generation when properly managed. From our 
nation's reliance on wood and wood products to the environmental 
benefits of cleaner air and water, trees are an integral part of our 
lives.
  Trees produce oxygen, lower ambient air temperature, release moisture 
into the air, retain particulates, create habitat for wildlife, and 
store carbon-dioxide. Trees can produce wind breaks, provide shade, and 
stabilize soils. Trees provide a multitude of products that are used in 
our daily lives.
  In a national effort that culminated in a nationwide vote, the public 
chose the oak tree as America's National Tree. I appreciate the 
public's involvement in this effort and recognize that the oak tree is 
America's most widespread hardwood. As an Idahoan, I am partial to 
Idaho's state tree, the White Pine, but support the people's choice. 
The ``King of Trees'' has long been valued for its shade, beauty, and 
lumber and is a fitting symbol of America's strength and diversity.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to support the public's 
choice for a national tree. I appreciate Senator Nelson's efforts to 
add a national tree to the list of national observances, which includes 
our national anthem, motto, floral emblem, and march.

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