May 5, 1919: Brig. Gen. James D. Glennan, Walter Reedís commanding officer from 1919 to 1926, planted a pecan tree in the formal gardens at Walter Reed General Hospital. Glennan was an avid gardener, having conceived the idea for the gardens when he assumed command of the hospital earlier in the year.
Over the years, the gardens were enhanced with the addition of cherry trees, a gift from Japan, and dozens of rose bushes.
Located in front of the old hospital (Building 1), the rose garden has been the site of many special events at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, including changes of responsibility, Organization Day and the Easter sunrise service.
Contact Cathy Sorge at (202) 782-6144 or Catherine.sorge@amedd.army.mil for donations to the WRAMC history office.
WRAMC History Office
Brig. Gen. James Glennan plants a pecan tree with the assistance of hospital staff members in Walter Reed’s formal gardens May 5, 1919.
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