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The First Tree, in Harris' words |
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| Wednesday forenoon I
planted my first tree of friendship in European soil. It seemed to me
especially appropriate that it took place in Germany —— in its
metropolis —— Berlin. The planting occurred in a sports platz formerly
devoted to war purposes, and a large number including Rotarians, city
officials and others were in attendance. I was offered my choice of
three trees of different species all of which had been groomed for the
ceremony. My choice fell upon a Maple and I was then given the choice of
three locations. Having selelected what seemed to me the most
appropriate tree and location, the ceremony began. There were two brief addresses, one by the mayor and one by myself. The tree was planted with the fervent hope that it would stand for many years as symbolic of the living, growing friendship between the great German people and my own country. Since leaving Germany I have learned that our German friends have planted a little monument in front of the tree commemorating the event and describing the purpose it was intended to serve. The first "tree" was planted by president Sydney Pascall, RI president in 1931 who was the first president to plant a tree during a presidential visit. |
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