TOUCHING PERFORMANCE … Saint Mary’s Children’s Choir sings and dances for the community.
PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
TRIBUTE … The tree planted for the ceremony, with endless support from the Edgerton Fire Department and its beloved community.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
On April 25, at 10:00 a.m., the Village of Edgerton celebrated the 153rd Arbor Day with a heartfelt tree-planting ceremony dedicated to the memory of Levi Tyler Hess. Levi, a beloved member of the community and junior firefighter, tragically passed away eight months prior, having served just under six months in the junior firefighting squad.
Scott K. Blue, Fire Chief of Edgerton, spoke briefly to the crowd. “I’m very honored to be here, to represent the fire department. Levi gave us five months and three weeks of his service.”
“We appreciate every second of it. In his memory, I’d like to ask everybody to consider being a part of the fire service when they are old enough to do so. We are proud of our junior firefighter program.”
The event commenced with a touching musical performance by students from Saint Mary’s School, grades 1-4, who sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
They were joined by the Edgerton Junior High and High School choirs, who performed a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” along with a few other songs, that resonated deeply with attendees.
Tree Commissioner Representative Chuck Wallace addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of trees in fostering a healthy environment and strong community bonds.
He highlighted Ohio’s leadership in tree-planting initiatives and recognized Edgerton’s remarkable achievement of being designated a Tree City USA for 44 consecutive years.
Wallace also commended the village’s proactive tree maintenance, which contributed to uninterrupted power during recent severe storms. “If you take ten down, you want to plant twenty,” he explains.
Over the past five years, Edgerton has planted around 100 trees, reinforcing its commitment to environmental progress. This dedication aligns with the spirit of Arbor Day, a holiday that originated in Nebraska in 1872.
J. Sterling Morton advocated for a day dedicated to tree planting. The inaugural Arbor Day saw Nebraskans plant over a million trees, laying the foundation for a tradition that continues to grow nationwide.
The ceremony in Edgerton not only honored Levi’s living memory but also served as a testament to the community enduring its commitment to nurturing the environment for future generations to come.