Arbor Day is officially designated for Friday, April 30, this year, but it was celebrated early in Summit Hill.

On Saturday, the Summit Hill Shade Tree Commission held a program at the Gazebo in Ludlow Park for the recognition of 17 flowering trees planted throughout the borough as memorials. Nearly 50 people attended.

A highlight was the presentation of a large banner by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designating Summit Hill as a “Tree City USA.” This is the 16th year Summit Hill has attained the designation.

Last year the Arbor Day program was canceled because of the pandemic.

Dr. Lou Vermillion, chairman of the Shade Tree Commission, said the memorial trees were planted in Ludlow Park, Ginder Field and in the Summit Hill and Grand Army Republic Cemetery.

Vermillion said since the shade tree commission began its annual event, about 14 dozen memorial trees have been planted.

The shade tree commission was organized 21 years ago, and in that span, it has planted about 550 trees throughout the town, which included replacing hazardous or diseased trees.

The flag for Tree City USA was presented by Steve Ziegler, service forester for the Weiser District. He explained the criteria for Tree City USA designation, which includes the town having an active Shade Tree Commission, the adoption of a proclamation and a budget of $2 per capita for maintenance and tree plantings.

Vermillion said, “One of the things we want to do is preserve the beauty of Summit Hill.” He said this includes the aesthetic and historical beauty.

He introduced the Shade Tree Committee members: John Kupec, Mary Ann Szczecina, Mary Helen Shelton, John Kupec III, Kevin Ruch and Ed Kerestes.

This year’s memorial trees were sponsored by:

• The Summit Hill Historical Society, which sponsored three trees for first responders and front-line health care workers.

• Alice Kane and family in memory of Alexander “Butchie” Kane.

• Marilyn and Thomas Barrett in memory of Thomas F. Sheehan.

• GAR Cemetery Association, trees in memory of Joel Kleckner and Robert Brimmer.

• Robert Forest, trees in memory of Jane Forest and Thelma Mary Gardiner.

• Maxine Vermillion in memory of Gretel Malkin.

• Seven trees as part of the GAR Memorial Tree program.

Alice Kane said of the tree in memory of her late husband, “Butchie would be thrilled. He loved the trees. He’d be very proud.”

Thomas Barrett said Sheehan was married to his wife’s sister, Anita Sheehan. Although he “was a Jim Thorpe boy,” Barrett said, “He does have roots in Summit Hill.”

Barrett described Sheehan as compassionate and caring.

Ellen Kleckner, the daughter of the late Joel Kleckner, said, “The cemetery would not be so beautiful without all the trees.” She mentioned how her father devoted so much time and effort at the cemetery, especially helping to prepare it for Memorial Day celebrations.

Ken Forest, speaking on behalf of his father, said he was “very appreciative” for the opportunity to plant the memorial trees.

Maxine Vermillion discussed the tree in honor of Gretel Malkin. “We felt it was appropriate to plant a tree in her memory.”