Remembrance Day: Remember to Save Trees

Today is Veteran’s Day in the US, also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other countries.  It was established 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the ending of World War I, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.  Since the “war to end all wars” was eventually followed by World War II, and many other wars since, it became Veterans Day in the US to honor the veterans of all wars.

When a 40 acre section of the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park was clearcut next to my house in 2019, I was struck by how similar the devastation looked to a WWI battlefield.

Even now, we humans are wreaking havoc upon the environment in wars all over. And when I see the photos of the environmental devastation of war in Ukraine or Gaza, it looks like a clearcut to me. When we should be doing all we can to clear the air of smoke and pollution, we are exploding ordinance and burning everything burnable. Despite the fact that we are teetering well past the 11th hour climate-wise, man goes on, making the situation worse.

We Can Save Trees Right Here

Which is why I think it is so very important to conserve forest wherever we can. I may not be able to stop men waging wars, but I can save trees right here. I can’t replant forests in Ukraine or green up Palestine. But because it is all one planet, when we improve the environment in one place, it helps Earth’s whole ecosystem. If we all take care of at least our little corner of the world, if everyone would, the whole planet would be improved.

So I urge you to do your bit. Donate to Our Forest Fund to save trees. Whatever you can. Right now. This month. Because we have a challenge from local businesses to match their $12,250 in pledges by Dec 2nd. We’ve already raised $7530 in the first week of this 4 week campaign. We just need a bit more. Will you help? You know you want to!

Thank you so much!

Alia Pirzada