ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Each April, members of the Robins community gather at the former parade field near Forest Park Housing to plant trees in commemoration of Arbor Day.

Now you might be saying to yourself, "But doesn't Arbor Day in Georgia occur in February?"

If you're thinking that, you're right.

Years ago the base decided to hold the observance in late April as the capstone of Robins' month-long celebration of the environment.

Organizing a public Arbor Day event fulfills one of the four requirements a community like ours must accomplish in order to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Of course, everyone knows we should celebrate our beautiful environment every day of every month. But, April is particularly special because it's the month when Earth Day was born 44 years ago.

What better way is there to conclude "Earth Month" on base than by planting trees?

This year's ceremony is scheduled Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The ceremony begins with the Arbor Day Proclamation reading and signing, and then Colonel Patricia Ross, 78th Air Base Wing vice commander, will receive Robins' 20th consecutive Tree City USA Award from representatives of the Georgia Forestry Commission.

If you've attended past ceremonies, you know that a central feature of the event involves personal dedications of trees by members of the Robins community.

Many of the more than 100 young trees that surround  the parade field have been planted in memory of loved ones who have left us, or to honor significant historical events, and we will continue that tradition Friday.

We'll also be using the event as an opportunity to showcase how volunteers throughout the Robins community have come together to take care of our environment - to show their pride in their green home.

If you work on base, then you've probably heard of "Robins Pride."

Successive drought years and budget challenges have taken their toll on our natural community, as well as our ability to care for it. During the last two years many base organizations have voluntarily adopted a dozen green spaces at Robins, including parks, lake shores, and the young forest at the parade field.

This annual ceremony reflects this spirit of volunteering, as well as pride, because what we will be doing is renewing our commitment to the care of Robins' natural environment, especially its trees.

Come join us and celebrate the beauty of trees!