Pin Oaks on Forest Parkway and Memorial Drive

Borough: Queens
Community Board: 09
Designated: 2024

Tree Details

Species: Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
Trunk Diameter 31 Inches

Grove on Memorial Drive: This roadway was opened in 1918. Following the end of World War I, the families in the neighborhood rallied to immortalize the lives of the 70 Richmond Hill soldiers who passed away in the war effort, collecting funds and organizing the memorial. On November 11, 1923, 70 trees were planted alongside the roadway, now renamed Memorial Drive, to dedicate and honor the 70 soldiers. In 1925, the My Buddy Monument was established at the end of Memorial Drive, standing as a testament to the courage of the soldiers. Every Memorial Day since then, parades and flags were raised in remembrance.

Grove on Forest Parkway:

This row of pin oaks located on Forest Park Drive, north of Park Lane South, was planted in 1919 to commemorate the young soldiers from Woodhaven who lost their lives in World War I. Families used to gather at this location to decorate their loved one's tree for Memorial Day. The Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society revived the tradition in 2015, and society members have been decorating the trees with flags and ribbons every year since.

Location

Forest Park
Memorial Drive, from Jackson Pond Playground to Forest Park Drive

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