The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announce a tree planting in Chattanooga’s Commemorative Forest on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. to honor the memory of founding Board Chairman and longtime Emeritus Officer Leonard Fant. Mr. Fant passed away on Oct. 6, 2016, after decades of service to the Chattanooga and North Georgia communities.
His tireless dedication to supporting his beloved Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park resulted in the state-of-the-art expansion of the Visitor Center at Chickamauga Battlefield; the rehabilitation and re-opening of Wilder Tower; and highly successful campaigns to commemorate both the Centennial of the Battles for Chattanooga in 1963 and the Sesquicentennial in 2013. A tireless fundraiser, advocate, and volunteer, Mr. Fant’s impact on the National Park and the greater community will be recognized through the planting of a ‘Winter King’ Hawthorne tree at the Sculpture Fields garden in Montague Park.
“Leonard’s voicemail said it all,” recalls Karen Diamond, the first executive director of the Friends of the Park. “Something to the effect of, ‘I’m not here right now, I’m out somewhere doing good.’ He was our friend, our mentor, our cheerleader, our leader. In every meeting with him, his straightforward common sense provided the groundwork for wise decisions and actions. Leonard was a dear friend and a giant of our organization.”
When the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Park learned of the Commemorative Forest option for honoring Mr. Fant, the decision was unanimous. “We felt that planting a tree symbolizes the deep roots and connections that Leonard had in his community, and the lasting gift that his decades of service represent,” said Dr. Anthony Hodges, board president. Maintained in perpetuity by the city of Chattanooga Forestry Division, trees planted in the Sculpture Fields stand alongside unique pieces by renowned sculptor John Henry, creating a beautiful blend of art and nature.
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park recognize that Mr. Fant served many organizations throughout Chattanooga and North Georgia, and welcome those in the community whose lives he touched to join the ceremony. Light refreshments will be provided. Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is at 1800 Polk St.