Photo courtesy of Jacque Andrew

A project was recently completed in Jefferson that started almost 100 years ago.

The Jefferson Floyd W. Brown Post #11 of the American Legion planted a tree in the Memorial Garden to continue the dedication efforts by a local military support group in 1922. A plaque was recently discovered in storage that marked the original tree planting dedication ceremony 97 years ago of the Jefferson Chapter of the Service Star Legion. The plaque read, “This tree planted in honor of the boys of Jefferson who served their country during The World War 1917-1918.”

Through research by the Legion’s Adjutant Barb Labate, it was discovered that the Service Star Legion was a national women’s organization that was established in 1919 “to bring comfort and aid to servicemen and their families, and to support the country’s government.” Trees were often planted in dedication of those served in the military.

Four trees were planted in 1922 to replace the one that was originally planted. However, none of the trees survived. The American Legion Post Commander at the time, Jim Andrew, worked with the Greene County Conservation Commission and the Jefferson Garden Club to maintain the Memorial Garden on East Lincoln Way, and he had the plaque mounted on a granite marker from David Sloan. Andrew also found an 18-foot burr oak tree for $450, which was donated by Bentley Ridge Tree in Urbandale. The tree was planted on June 12th with the help of 11 American Legion members and other volunteers. Kurt Krieger donated his tree spade to plant it and Louis Swanson used a water tanker to keep it watered.