Earth Day highlights need to preserve resources

  • Published
  • By 36th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • 36 CES
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Earth Day is an international event demonstrating concern and mobilizing support for the environment. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, and rallied more than 20 million Americans from around the country to get involved in environmental "teachings." 

This event, which was the largest grassroots movement in U.S. history, created what has come to be known as the environmental movement. Out of this event cam the first major pieces of environmental legislation - The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. 

As a single event, Earth Day represents the commitment and significant investment this nation and other countries around the world have made toward positive environmental security. 

The active-duty military and civilian personnel of the U.S. Air Force as well as our families and the local communities will make a significant contribution to the overall impact of the monumental event. 

Although Earth Day is generally celebrated on April 22, it is important to remember that environmental responsibility is more than just a one-day event. Earth Day Air Force exemplifies a daily commitment to the environmental security of the public resources entrusted to the care of the military. Through an array of partnering programs, the Air Force demonstrates that voluntary goals and commitments achieve real environmental results while saving time and money. In addition to traditional approaches to environmental stewardship, the Air Force is building cooperative agreements with a variety of groups, including businesses, citizen groups, and local governments. One such partnership is the Arbor Day Foundation. 

National Arbor Day Foundation.
The National Arbor Day Foundation was established in 1972 and Arbor Day is usually celebrated on the last Friday of April. The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship. Tree City USA is one of the Foundation's most popular programs and encourages improved tree planting and care. Andersen Air Force Base is a proud member of Tree City USA and plans to conduct its own Tree Planting Ceremony in conjunction with scheduled Earth Week activities.
Editor's note: Andersen will celebrate Earth Week from April 17-22.

2007 Earth Week
Schedule of Events

Earth Week is scheduled for April 16 to 22. Earth Day is April 22. The theme for Earth Week on Guam is "Protect Guam's Watersheds."

April 16 to 20 - Squadron cleanup. All squadrons are encouraged to clean up their sections.
Additional areas to clean are from the front gate to Potts Junction and to Yigo;

April 17 - Cardboard/aluminum can bale weight guessing competition at Commissary.

April 18 - From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. a select panel of judges will evaluate student Earth Day projects

April 19 - A tree planting ceremony will be held 11 a.m. at the Baseball Park. During the ceremony, five trees will be planted.

April 20 - Andersen Elementary School will distribute awards for student Earth Week projects.

Editor's note: All events are subject to change. For more information, call the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight at 366-2557.