I would probably feel better about Arbor day if I did not have roots coming up in my lawn from a tree that was forced upon me by the local goverment.

When I was a kid, in the antediluvian days, our class would go out and plant a tree in the park or someplace that needed one. That was a charming tradition.

A day to hug trees.

Arbor Day is a holiday that is greatly forgotten by most after the elementary school years, I'm afraid. Great idea; as Dr. Kryptic pointed out, it's about contributing to society rather than commercialization. Ha, too bad I really can't plant any trees out in my yard yet--I think the landlords of the apartment complex might not be entirely cool with that.

This is the one and only holiday that actually contributes to the betterment of society in some way. Christmas, Mother's Day, Holloween etc., have all become marketing and sales extravaganzas for corporate America. The cultural, historical and/or religious significance of those holidays has long since fallen by the wayside. In contrast, Arbor day has retained its basic principals, serves a noble purpose, and unlike most other holidays gives something back to the world. It was started in the 1800's in Nebraska when settlers and homesteaders in that prairie state were urged to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, fruit, fuel, and beauty. People who celebrate this holiday still have those goals in mind.

Whoever invented this wasn't so great at spreading the word. Sure, the idea is noble, but why do we always devote a day?