[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS: A TRIBUTE TO ARBOR DAY

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                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Village 
of Western Springs, a township located in the Third Congressional 
District of Illinois. The Village of Western Springs officially 
proclaimed April 30, 2004 as Arbor Day, a special day to set aside for 
the planting of trees.
  This year, Western Springs was recognized and awarded the prestigious 
title of Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. It is certainly an 
occasion worthy of special recognition, as Western Springs has shown a 
commitment and dedication to Arbor Day by planting trees and caring for 
their woodlands.
  Village President John Kravcik publicly declared April 30 as the 
official Arbor Day for the Village of Western Springs. I was privileged 
to take part in the Western Springs Arbor Day ceremony with the 
students of McClure Junior High School, Principal John Chick, Vice 
Principal Matt Castle and the citizens of Western Springs. We were 
honored with the presence of the Western Springs Garden Club, including 
Ann Gindorf and President Mary Kubalanza, Fred Rodriguez and Jack Lund 
of the Western Springs Memorial V.F.W. Post 10778, and Father Tom 
Bernas of St. Richard's Parish who offered the ceremony's prayer.
  I would like to pay special tribute to the Arbor Day essay winners 
Jenni Breslin, Schuyler Hilton, and Nicky Galvez, who shared their 
literary works to commemorate this day. It is essential for children to 
learn the importance and value of trees to the environment and our 
community, in order to ensure future generations will enjoy greener, 
healthier, and more beautiful places. The students of McClure Junior 
High School displayed their commitment to protecting and promoting the 
community's natural beauty by planting a tree on school grounds during 
the ceremony.
  In the 128 years since its founding, Arbor Day has become a holiday 
celebrated in cities across America and nations throughout the world. 
Arbor Day draws particular attention to the part trees play in our 
lives and in the significant ways they beautify and enrich our 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the people of Western Springs are 
taking the time to celebrate Arbor Day. I wish them the best of success 
in their tree-planting efforts and I strongly hope that more Americans 
will follow their positive example.

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