Thomas Jefferson once said, &8220;I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company.&8221;

Indeed, trees are some of the best friends humankind has. Trees are needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, for paper, and for shade from the hot sun. They add value and beauty to property.

Today is Arbor Day, a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, thanks to a resolution proposed by resident J. Sterling Morton. Morton, a civic leader, agriculturist, and former newspaper editor, urged Nebraskans to &8220;set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.&8221; The tree-planting holiday was so popular that by 1920, more than 45 states and U.S. territories annually celebrated Arbor Day. Today it is observed in all 50 states and many countries around the world.

We thank those who are taking the time to plant a tree in keeping with the observance. We know the city regularly plants trees. White pine seedlings and instructions on how to plant them are going home with all area fourth-graders today. The Albert Lea FFA will plant 75 pine trees in the community on Tuesday, thanks to CHS, a grains-based foods and energy company.

We urge our readers to consider planting a tree of their own &045;&160;as a gift to the earth and for generations to come. A tree is truly an investment in the future.