North Dakota State University and the state Forest Service will plant two oak trees on the Fargo campus Saturday in remembrance of North Dakotans' military service in the Spanish-American War.
The ceremony is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. near the main gate of the NDSU campus.
The Spanish-American War began April 25, 1898, when the United States declared war on Spain after the Battleship Maine was sunk in the Havana harbor.
North Dakota cities that sent units during the conflict included Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grafton, Jamestown, Valley City and Wahpeton.
Ten soldiers from the 1st North Dakota Infantry received the Medal of Honor for valiant service in the Philippine Insurrection in 1898-99.
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The trees will be planted near a stone marker that reads "President Worst's Memorial Grove ... a tree for each A.C. soldier enlisted in the Spanish-American War." The stone is next to the arboretum near the campus gate. Former NDSU president John H. Worst established the tree grove to honor students who enlisted into military service during the war.
Speakers during Saturday's ceremony will include NDSU President Joseph Chapman and State Forester Larry Kotchman.
The ceremony coincides with the 2002 Trees Bowl between the Bison and the University of North Dakota. At halftime, 2001 and 2002 Trees Award winners will be recognized for outstanding forestry activities. Last year's recognition was postponed because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The state Forest Service also will distribute 3,000 Black Hills spruce and bur oak seedlings to spectators after the football game.
