Dear organizers of the Trees of Happiness Park project, friends of nature,
It is my great pleasure to be with you today on this occasion and plant a new tree – the red oak.
Thank you, dear friends, for this wonderful initiative. You set a bright example of civic responsibility for our environment and nature.
Let me say a few words about the past, present and future.
Past
Latvians always had a special love for trees. In ancient times, they gave people warmth and shelter. Trees provided a lifeline, they helped ensure physical survival.
Already back then, people appreciated the importance of trees. Countless songs, sayings and proverbs have been dedicated to them. Reflecting on the importance of trees in literature, linguist Aija Priedīte wrote dissertation titled "When the trees talked", whereas researcher Guntis Eniņš collected stories about Latvia's grand trees in his book "Trees do not leave the house".
Latvian trees, which have grown into grand trees over hundreds of years, have been planted both by Latvian farmers in their homesteads and fields, as well as the leaders of foreign countries visiting our parks and alleys. These grand trees are witnesses of Latvia's history.
It seems to me that the trees still talk, yet the ears of modern people are clogged by other sounds and noises. Our ears no longer hear the trees.
Present
This year, the organizers of the Big Cleanup Day invited people to plant fruit trees – apples, plums, pears. I can safely say that pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists and pediatric orthopedists are happy and deeply grateful for this year’s theme.
In recent years, the consequences of unhealthy diets for children and young people have become an aggravated problem. Pediatricians are increasingly finding in children diseases that used to affect primarily older people. For instance, these diseases include obesity, type 2 diabetes, joint arthrosis and others.
But the fruit of the apple tree – the apple – is perfect. It improves the health of every single one of us, and it possesses an excellent natural “packaging”. In addition, apple is delicious in a hundred and one of its variations.
A healthy young generation is the foundation for a strong, viable country.
Future
Global warming, natural disasters affecting Latvia more often, ocean pollution – all of these necessitate reflection about the prevention of man-made consequences. They force us to think about how to reduce CO2 emissions and how to support sustainable living patterns.
And again – trees come to our aid. Leaves and needles of trees break down and absorb CO2, while oxygen they produce is given back to us and other living organisms.
The red oak I planted today will also contribute to better climate for us. I am delighted that this sapling will remain here for many years and will be here even when I am gone.
