In October, Destin Life joined roughly 70 attendees, survivor families and Destin leaders for a Trees on the Coast Dedication Ceremony to honor 11 servicemen who tragically gave their lives in a Blackhawk helicopter accident that had taken off from the Destin Airport. FL. Rep. Mel Ponder, City of Destin Councilmember Skip Overdier and Retired General Reemer were all on hand to say a few words. “As a community,” said Rep. Mel Ponder, “we are often known for our hospitality. But we are also known as a city that honors well.” He referenced Isaiah 61:3 which says …To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Rep. Ponder also stated the definition of a Sand Live Oak which says that the tree is part of the “beech” family. “It is a great tree to plant since we are a coastal/beach community,” he said. “And, we’re thankful for Trees on the Coast,” he said, “for what they did to honor the lives of the 11 service members.”
Highlights included the Destin Warbirds WW ll airplane flyover, Kieran Marler singing the National Anthem, The Emerald Coast Pipers’ salute of Amazing Grace, the Destin Fire Control District, Niceville High School Jr. ROTC and Rock the House DJ.
Trees on the Coast, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit, partnering with the City of Destin, planted 49 beautiful, Sand Live Oaks and approximately 1,400 African Irises in the median of Airport Rd. from Main St. to Hwy. 98. Sponsors include Howard Group, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican, La Paz Restaurant, The Local Market, The Henderson Beach Resort, The Main Street Betterment Alliance, Myrtie Blue, The Red Bird Art Experience, Destin Commons and Bob Watson.
Trees on the Coast exists to allow individuals and businesses the opportunity, through tax deductible donations, to beautify our coastal community. Planting trees not only beautifies a community, it also helps the environment, raises property values, creates a sense of civic pride, calms traffic and stimulates economic development. Visit treesonthecoast.com or email info@treesonthecoast.com for more info or to donate.
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