HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) -- Today marks the 125th anniversary of Herrin becoming a city. To celebrate, a ceremonial tree planting was held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, Illinois.
City officials, community members, and the Herrin High School band gathered to witness the event.
Organizers say this celebration honors the shared history and continued friendship between Herrin and its sister city, Cuggiono, Italy.
Michaelann Stanley of the Herrin Heritage Club, said, "Being a small town, it's important to work together and to keep our towns beautiful and functioning nicely and so we hope to carry that on down because the Italians definitely brought us that working together spirit."
According to organizers, Herrin has evolved from its coal mining roots into a city known for heart, heritage and hard work.
Stanley says a red oak was chosen to symbolize these qualities. "The red oak is a very strong, tall tree. It will be over 30 feet tall. It's slow growing, but that strength and that beauty we hope will represent our binds, our links, to Italy, our links to our other countries, and just, you know, help unite us."
She also stated members of the Herrin Heritage Club will travel to Cuggiono, Italy, in June for the dedication of a wall mural commemorating the coal miners of Herrin, Illinois.
