PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
Earth Day is an international event demonstrating commitment and mobilizing support for the environment.
Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than one billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes.
The U.S. Army’s theme for Earth Day 2023 is ‘Sustain the Environment Secure the Mission: Invest in Our Planet’ and highlights how the Army has invested in our planet through environmental programs.
Earth Day events across the Army highlight how the military has invested in our planet through Army environmental programs.
For Picatinny Arsenal, the installation started celebrating this day in 1990, marking this year as the 33rd anniversary of Earth Day on the Arsenal and the 53rd commemoration for the nation.
“Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future,” said Lt. Col. Alexander Burgos, Picatinny Arsenal garrison commander.
“In a partnership for our planet, the Army is engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens who participate in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. The application of this knowledge will lead to improvements to how the Army has and will continue to highlight the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving complex environmental issues, especially climate change.”
This year’s Earth Day events are back to full-scale following smaller observances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 19, vendors such as the Morris County Parks Commission with the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, New Jersey Highlands Coalition, and Raptor Trust; along with internal partners such as the Picatinny Energy Team, American Water, and the New Jersey National Guard, will hold a fair at the installation’s cafeteria, ‘Choices’.
“I am excited that this year, Picatinny is able to welcome vendors and engage the workforce to celebrate Earth Day 2023,” said Jason Huggan, Picatinny Arsenal’s Environmental Affairs Division Chief. “It has been too long since we were last able to do this, and I look forward to the event. Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect upon what you can do each day for the Arsenal and its surrounding environment.”
Additionally, informational pamphlets and handouts such as tree saplings, personal spill pads, rain gauges. birdseed, and kids garden trowels will also be available.
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