HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base civil engineers will celebrate the 28th anniversary of Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony April 30.

This year's tree planting ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., near the 66th Medical Squadron and the temporary Middle School. All personnel working at Hanscom are invited to attend and help celebrate the event alongside with Col. Michael A. Vogel, 66th Air Base Group commander, as well local youth from Hanscom Middle School.

Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872.  The holiday quickly spread and is now celebrated in all 50 states and around the globe. Hanscom's contribution this year will be to plant trees on the north side of the temporary Middle School on Eglin Ave. The additional trees will provide shade, color and other environmental benefits.

Traditionally, Arbor Day is held on the last Friday in April and is meant to celebrate all the ways in which trees enrich people's lives.

Trees on base help clean the air, conserve soil, moderate temperature and bring nature into a person's daily life.  It also brings awareness to the dangers and long-term damage deforestation can have. By understanding and appreciating the role trees have in our environment, we begin to realize the importance of Arbor Day.

For further information about Arbor Day or the tree planting ceremony, contact civil engineers at 781-225-6040.