Arbor Day was observed recently when members of Browning Community Garden Club met at Taylor Creek Elementary School.

Margaret Hoke gave the welcome address and recognized special guests including Copperas Cove Mayor John Hull, Kempner Mayor Gene Isenhour, Taylor Creek Principal Kelly Dunn, Troop 90 Scoutmaster Kit Byrd, Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Robert Wagner, Clear Creek Baptist Church Pastor Thomas Edwards and Silvia Rhoads, guest speaker.

Boys Scouts posted the colors, and Pack 100 Cub Scout Warren Burke led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wagner gave the invocation, followed by singing of “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Doris Magnor read the poem “The Heart of the Tree” by Henry Bunner, and Isenhour delivered a proclamation. The Conservative Pledge was read in unison by all.

Club vice president Mrs. Magnor introduced the speaker, Copperas Cove’s recycling and solid-waste coordinator and member of Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful.

She spoke on the benefits received from planting trees and foundation shrubbery.

Sharron Van Weelden, club president, said the tree planting is the beginning of plans to landscape the school grounds.

Third-grade teacher Kristy DeKort showed a time capsule containing students’ messages to be placed with the planted tree.

Dunn expressed appreciation for the group’s commitment.

The benediction, given by Edwards, concluded the ceremony.