Vance named Tree City USA for the 24th consecutive year

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  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Vance Air Force Base was named a Tree City USA for the 24th year during an Arbor Day and Earth Week ceremony held April 21 in the base auditorium.

A Tree City flag was presented to Col. Fred Cunningham, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, by Mark Bays, Urban Forester with the Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Children from Eisenhower Elementary School and the Child Development Center sang several songs during the ceremony.

Cunningham read an Arbor Day Proclamation signed by Col. Darrell Judy, the 71st FTW commander, proclaiming April 21 as Arbor Day at Vance.

Arbor Day Proclamation

Whereas, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and
“Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and
“Whereas, 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; and
“Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products; and
“Whereas, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and
“Whereas, trees are a source of joy and signify nature’s beauty; and
“Whereas, Vance Air Force Base has been designated as a Tree City by The National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue planting trees;
Now, therefore, I, Colonel Darrell F. Judy, Commander, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim 21 April 2017 as Arbor Day on the installation of Vance Air Force Base; and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support our installation community forestry program; and
“Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of present and future generations.”

Vance was first recognized as a Tree City in 1993. This is the 24th consecutive year that Vance has received this national recognition.

The National Arbor Day foundation selects communities for the honor based on commitment to community forestry.