State replaces legislator’s memorial tree, removed without warning because it was dying
A memorial plaque and tree honoring the late state Sen. Cal Anderson was replaced on the Capitol Campus Friday, Aug. 25, after the original flowering cherry tree was removed for safety purposes and sparked an uproar.
The Department of Enterprise Services announced that the memorial would be relocated after the Washington State Standard reported that the agency was under fire from Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, Sen. Marko Liias of Mukilteo and other state leaders for removing the tree without notice.
“I consider the unilateral removal of the Cal Anderson tree and plaque to be a desecration,” Heck told the Standard.
A July 26 news release outlined the agency’s plan to remove several dying Kwanzan flowering cherry trees on Cherry Lane next to the Legislative Building, but did not mention that the Anderson tree was among them.
DES acknowledged and apologized for the communication oversight.
“We have deep respect for (Anderson’s) leadership and bravery, and extend our sincere apologies to his supporters and family,” Jennifer Reynolds, an agency spokesperson, told the Standard.
Gov. Jay Inslee called on DES to replace the tree and restore the memorial.
Crews working for DES planted a new 16-foot Kwanzan Cherry Tree and reinstalled the memorial plaque Friday. Cherry Lane was closed throughout the day between Water Street and Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest.
Anderson, of Seattle, “was a respected veteran, legislator, friend to many on the Capitol Campus, and champion for civil rights,” DES said in a press statement.
Anderson was the first openly-gay state legislator in Washington, and one of his priorities included extending civil rights to the LGBTQ+ community. He also proposed laws that would have allowed doctors to euthanize terminal patients, as well as voting rights laws that would automatically register residents to vote.
Anderson served as a state House Representative starting in 1987. He died of AIDS in 1995 after serving for less than a year as state Senator.
In addition to the memorial on the state Capitol Campus, Cal Anderson Park in Seattle was named after the late lawmaker in 2003.
Prior to his time as a state lawmaker, Anderson served as a court reporter for the Army’s 23rd Infantry Division. For his investigations as the lead court reporter in the Mỹ Lai massacre, he was awarded two Bronze Stars. He left the Army in 1973.
In its news release DES noted that the trees along Cherry Lane will be removed in approximately four years when the road is also replaced. DES said they will work with stakeholders in the meantime to find a new location for Anderson’s tree and an updated memorial.
This story was originally published August 25, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
