HISTORY | An old-fashioned gathering

Enjoy an early Memorial Day celebration along with the splendor of Oak Ridge Cemetery on Saturday, May 28, from 1-4 p.m. The afternoon begins with a welcome and reflection on the significance of Oak Ridge Cemetery by Mayor Jim Langfelder plus a patriotic concert by the Springfield Municipal Band, a Revolutionary War patriot commemorative plaque dedication and tours of Oak Ridge Abbey, which was built in 1910 to accommodate 1,045 internments. Take a leisurely stroll through the cemetery grounds and learn about the cemetery’s historic trees during the annual tree tours hosted by Starhill Forest Arboretum. Although the tree tour is self-guided, interpreters will be stationed at each of the 18 stops, sharing information on each tree’s significance. Add in fun and educational nature activities for children, live musical entertainment by The Wildwood Strings and Wild Columbine plus cake, ice cream, fruit and lemonade for purchase and you’ll have one spirited stroll. For more information about A Spirited Stroll and the trees in Oak Ridge Cemetery, visit http://oakridgecemeterytrees.wordpress.com.