Elizabeth's Landing Honors Veterans With Tree Planting Event

The Elizabeth's Landing Community Association will host its second annual veterans tree planting event on November 11 at 9:30am.

“It's a great opportunity, I thought, to combine both the importance of tree planting and honoring veterans into one event,” said John Leopold, president of the board of directors for the Elizabeth's Landing Community Association. “I thought it would be appropriate way to honor a veteran who lives within our community.”

This year's honoree is retired Navy veteran Bill Howard. Howard, who served in the Navy for 22 years, is a former president of the Elizabeth's Landing Community Association.

Howard received a letter notifying him that he would be honored at this year's event, and he described the news as an honor. He said this event is not about him but instead about raising the support and recognition of local veterans.

“It was interesting to be singled out to receive an award, but I recognize that it's not just me, it's recognition of everyone who has served in the armed forces,” Howard said.

Last year's event recognized Army veteran Justina Taylor.

“Elizabeth's Landing feels very strongly about supporting our veterans and with the idea that you can never say thank you enough times,” Leopold said.

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs will be present at the event, as those in attendance and around the country also acknowledge Veterans Day in support of the many brave men and women who have served the country.

“I think recognition of veterans and service provided to the country is an important point,” Howard said. “I appreciate the fact that the community association is doing this event and I hope that they continue to do this event and honor other people who have served in the military.”

Howard’s military service time saw him stationed in Alaska, Germany, Fort Meade, Guam and Hawaii among many other places. He also previously served as the chairman of the Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission from 1996 to 2001.

“He has had a wide range of experience helping this particular community, as well as the county at large, as well as [his] military service,” Leopold said.

In receiving this honor, Howard hopes to find more ways of delivering recognition to those who have served in the military. As he puts it, “You have to have recognition before you can get the respect.”