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 Home > News & Policies > April 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 9, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush Participate in Commemorative Tree Planting
North Lawn

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10:00 A.M. EDT

MRS. BUSH: We are replacing the Scarlet Oak that fell earlier -- actually, I think it was before Christmas, that was planted by Benjamin Harrison, I think in 1898*, I believe, is when it was planted. And so now we're replacing it. And we've invited descendants of Benjamin Harrison to come help us plant it. So we see all the family members over here, and three -- two great-great-grandsons, and one great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison who are here with us.


President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush shovel dirt to plant a Scarlet Oak tree Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at the commemorative tree planting on the North Lawn of the White House. The tree is being planted to replace a tree that fell on October, 25, 2007, a Scarlet Oak that had been planted in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison. Relatives of President Benjamin Harrison were invited to join the President and Mrs. Bush at the tree planting ceremony, Harrison's great-grandson, Ben Walker, is seen at left. White House photo by Eric Draper So we're ready to do it. Are you ready?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, getting ready to shovel -- (laughter) -- dirt.

END 10:01 A.M. EDT

* The original Scarlet Oak was planted in 1892.