Boy Scouts, Local Volunteers Spruce Up WWII Memorial Tree

Local volunteers have begun preparation work centered on the WWII Memorial Tree on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road, in preparation for Armed Forces Day on May 18.

Justin Manning, an Eagle Scout from the Levittown Boys Scouts began a beautification project with the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Assocation after they observed last year's Armed Forces Day at the tree, according to the LRHA. The troops from Nassau were "impressed" with the work the Heritage Association has been putting into maintaining and educating the public about the significance of the Memorial Tree.

The tree was first planted at the corner of Hawkins and Portion shortly after a local soldier returned home from fighting in WWII. Over the years the tree has grown tall, but the gift's intent has faded from most memory until the LRHA began its campaign to refresh the community's understanding of the tree's importance.

The Levittown scouts, led by Manning, held fundraisers in their hometown to combine resources with donations from the LRHA, Allen & Fran Okvist and Maloney Funeral Home. The scouts purchased lumber and supplies to build three picnic tables, two of which are wheelchair accessible, and delivered the tables to be placed under the tree on March 10.

In addition the scouts did a full clean-up of the area in preparation for the LRHA's plans to commemorate Armed Forces Day this year. The LRHA states that it will unveil its schedule of events for the day at a later time. 

In the meantime, the picnic tables are in place for pedestrians to enjoy.