September 5, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 12

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NEWS 8• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 The Elk City News Left to Right: Dr. Angela Nievar, Chair of the George Washington Elm Committee and Capital District Director; James Bynum, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs; State Regent Peggy Evans, leader of the Oklahoma Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Rebecca Vernier, state president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of the American Revolution; and four Oklahoma Society Color Guard Members for the Sons of the American Revolution (Left to Right), Kenneth Young, Robert Thomas, Terry McClain and Mark Reichardt. The Next Generation of the Washington Elm Brought to the State by the Oklahoma Society Daughters of the American Revolution Oklahoma City, OK — The healthy branch cuttings or sized the cutting serves as a and sacrifice. Daughters of the American scion wood, which are only tribute to liberty and connects “Living memorials like this Revolution and partners wel- accessible during specific re- future generations of Oklaho- tree remind us of the roots comed a direct cutting of productive cycles. The George mans to the nation’s found- of our nation and the gener- the historic George Wash- Washington elm comes from ing, while also reflecting the ations of veterans who have ington Elm to the state, with the Arboretum at the Univer- values of the Daughters of the tended this democracy,” By- the sapling to be placed on sity of Washington. American Revolution (DAR). num said. the grounds of the Oklaho- The event was dedicated to “This cutting is not merely The Sons of the American ma State Capitol in 2028. the tree’s lineage, honoring a plant but a direct genetic Revolution Color Guard pre- The tree is genetically iden- veterans and civic partners, descendant of the tree that sented and retired the colors. tical to the tree that shaded and the years of stewardship witnessed the birth of our The program included invo- George Washington in Cam- that brought the living memo- republic. It restores a histor- cations, pledges to the United bridge, Massachusetts, when rial to Oklahoma. “We’re hon- ical treasure to the people of States and State of Oklahoma, he accepted his commission ored to meet and celebrate Oklahoma,” said Riley. and a closing benediction. as general of the Continental this extraordinary living piece Young saplings are nur- “So, on our 250th year as a Army. of American history and to tured in controlled environ- Nation, this little cutting feels Oklahoma Prairies Chap- recognize our partners,” said ments for 5 to 12 years to right. We renew what is liv- ter, National Society of the Dr. Angela Nievar, Chair of ensure they are strong and ing. Great things begin small; For anyone who was not able Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and the the George Washington Elm Committee and Capital Dis- disease-free before they can be planted. As part of his they grow with care. They endure because of those deep DOG to attend the show, it is something that should be put on the calendar Urban Forestry Division of trict Director. commitment to the state’s for- roots, those contributions. Continued from page 1 as a must see in Elk City. The dog the Oklahoma Forestry Ser- State Regent Peggy Evans, estry program, Coy has taken We will plant this tree, and owners and handlers greeted cu- vice were recognized for their leader of the Oklahoma So- the tree into his own home to it will shade someone we will firmation, training, and grooming. rious spectators with information years of work in bringing the ciety of the Daughters of the ensure its viability and health. never meet. We will fight our Walking from ring to ring, specta- about their dog(s), titles, and breed. tree to Oklahoma. Rebecca American Revolution, re- “If you remember, going nation's battles, rise to those tors were able to watch the perfec- Nothing better than watching per- Vernier, state president of the minded those present that back to World War One, Vet- demands for generations we tion of each dog presented to the fection and learning about how Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons generations ago, DAR mem- erans Day, what we call Veter- will never meet,” said Bynum. judges, as well as how the judges and why each one stood out among of the American Revolution, bers chained themselves to ans Day, and what the British The Oklahoma DAR ex- eyed his/her movement. their competition. was applauded for her assis- the cherry trees in Washing- call Remembrance Day, the tended gratitude to the Okla- tance in bringing the project ton, D.C. to prevent their re- 11th hour of the 11th day of homa Forestry Service, the to fruition. moval. “Our society has a long the 11th month was Arbor Sons of the American Revo- The ECFD continues to grow The process of cultivat- ing a verified descendant history of tenacious daughters protecting historic trees,” said Day. We planted trees to re- member,” said Rear Admiral lution, state and local elected officials in attendance, and all STEVENS along with the new fire station. The community’s safety is a prior- sapling from a historic tree, Regent Evans. James J. Bynum (U.S. Navy, volunteers and chapter mem- Continued from page 1 ity for these first responders. They such as those planted by Riley Coy, Urban Forestry retired), Executive Director bers whose multi-year efforts are available 24 hours a day to keep George Washington at Mount Coordinator for the Oklaho- of the Oklahoma Department made the restoration possible. and look forward to his continued Elk City and surrounding commu- Vernon, is intricate and ma Forestry Service, stressed of Veterans Affairs, as he de- A display from the DAR Mu- growth and leadership as he takes nities safe. time-consuming. Botanists the importance of planting livered remarks connecting seum will be available in the on this new role,” noted the an- Congratulate Stevens on his pro- must meticulously await the a cutting from the historic living memorials to the long Oklahoma City area through nouncement about Stevens’ pro- motion and hard work for the City appropriate season to collect Washington Elm and empha- tradition of honoring service mid-October. motion. of Elk City and its residents.