Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, informed about the traditional annual planting of trees which took part in Holosiivskyi Culture and Recreation Park that day.
M. Tomenko emphasized that the goal of this campaign was to promote the national symbols and environmental education.
The Deputy Chairman reminded that during the week before Easter, blessed willow branches had been planted all over Ukraine.
M. Tomenko informed that during the exile in Manhyshlatskyi heath, Taras Shevchenko built a real Ukrainian hut, dug well and planted a willow branch in October 1850. In due course, there appeared a whole garden around the willow. One of Shevchenko´s willow branches was transported to Stryi town and then to Storozhynetskyi park. Thus, a 'granddaughter' of Taras Shevchenko´s willow has been growing in Storozhynka since 1969. "From that tree we have planted the branches in Holosiivskyi park, starting Taras Shevchenko´s willow alley", declared M. Tomenko. He also added that in two years the willow branches will be transported to several schools and museums to be planted in school yards and in the streets.