Representatives from Lakeview Cemetery, the New Canaan Department of Public Works and the Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered outside the cemetery’s Main Street entrance on Wednesday morning to plant a pair of cherry trees on Earth Day.
Maryalice Gelhaus, regent of the local chapter, said the D.A.R. was proudly dedicating the trees “in honor of the brave patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War 250 years ago and who are laid to rest here.”
“Cherry blossom trees have long stood as a symbol of enduring friendship in our nation’s capital, ever since Japan gifted 3000 of them to the United States in 1912,” she said on a cool, overcast morning, joined by fellow D.A.R. members Martha Zinn, Roberta Brill and Lisa Melland.
One sapling cherry tree was planted with DPW’s help on either side of the cemetery’s main entrance. Purchased in 1869 and dedicated in 1870, the cemetery is the final resting place of scores of New Canaan veterans, and is the site of the annual Memorial Day ceremony, which follows the popular parade through town. Representatives from the New Canaan Cemetery Association included board Vice President Mike Hobbs and Secretary Beth Jones, as well as groundskeeper Peter Passaro.
“This year, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to be the largest contributor to the restoration of these beautiful trees in the Washington, D.C. area,” Gelhaus said during the tree dedication. “As we plant these trees today, we’d like to offer this prayer: Dear Lord, let your blessings fall upon these trees through rain and sunshine. Bless the hands that will care for them and watch over them as they grow. May they bring comfort, peace and quiet joy to all who come here to visit loved ones and honor those who have gone before us. Amen.”