Joyce Kilmer Tribute Night to Celebrate Work of Famed Mahwah Poet

The Joyce Kilmer Society of Mahwah, a group of locals who recently joined together to help preserve and celebrate the legacy of late Mahwah poet Joyce Kilmer, is working to get the whole community involved in its mission. In the latest volume of its Newsletter, the group announced an event it is planning for next month, ‘A Tribute to Joyce Kilmer.’

Set to happen at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Mahwah on May 21, the free event promises a line-up that will celebrate the life and works of Kilmer, specifically 'Trees,' his most famous poem and one that local historians argue was penned in the township.

The event is set to include a video presentation of Metropolitan Opera Singer Robert Merrill singing ‘Trees,’ a playing of the 1949 radio broadcast, ‘The Story of Joyce Kilmer,' a reading of Kilmer’s Memorial Day’ by Mahwah VFW Post 7142 Commander Gary Montroy, a discussion on Kilmer’s contributions to art and poetry by Ramapo College professor and poet James Hoch, remarks by Mayor Bill Laforet, and refreshments for guests.

The event is free, and will be open to the public.

Get more information, and check out the latest edition of the JKSM Newsletter, which tells the story of ‘Trees,’ and gives some insight into Kilmer’s interesting name, in the attached Newsletter.

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