Dario Kerkez is using golden color Rotary shavel to mix the ground in the garden with the ground native to Serbia. see album ( 1.8Mb, 22pics )

Since it was created in the 1960s, the two acre Friendship Garden has been a living expression of the principles of Rotary, with lovely plantings, shade trees and paths - a place of serenity, devoted to peace and understanding among nations, Friendship Garden is getting another tree for Republic of Serbia.

It's been almost 35 years since a tree was planted in the International Friendship Garden, a project of the Evanston Rotary Club. Thanks in part to the efforts of one of the club's member, Dario Kerkez. Kerkez wanted to honor Republic of Serbia, the country where he grew up.

According to Kerkez, "When I first learned about the history of the Garden, I saw a opportunity to continue the Garden's traditions for building peaceful relations around the world. Planting this tree will provide a lasting reminder to the citizens of Evanston and every visitor who comes to the Garden that Republic of Serbia is and always will be a deserving member of the international community."

At the Rotary club's weekly luncheon held Thursday, 12 June 2008, he and his fellow club members oversaw the planting of the tree (Serviceberry) using soil that is native to Serbia.

The new tree took its place along two long rows of crabapple and hawthorn trees that run along McCormack Avenue, opposite the Ecology Center, a part of the Ladd Arboretum. The Garden was begun in 1960's to honor the 91 countries where there was an active Rotary club. see countries

- Press Release (english) - before the event
- Press Release (english) - after event
- Press Release (serbian)
- Pictures download

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