Lifelong dedication to a community comes with a reward. Sometimes one is presented with a plaque. Rarely is an tree named after the honoree.

On March 16 behind Harlingen City Hall, both of those presentations happened. As a formal bonus, the afternoon concluded with a proclamation by Harlingen City Commission.

Raul D. Gonzalez, retired City of Harlingen employee and retired Harlingen Chamber of Commerce employee, was honored under the previously named Charlie Brown tree to the now Raul D. Gonzalez tree. Decades ago, Gonzalez planted the oak tree as a symbol of stability and strength to support the City of Harlingen and all its endeavors.

Abel Gonzalez-Mencio, Raul’s son, passionately emceed the afternoon’s event which brought family and friends from all over the country. Former co-workers reminisced, hugged and celebrated Gonzalez’s selfless service as maintenance supervisor for the City of Harlingen and the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce which totaled almost 50 years.

At the conclusion of the outside program, part II of the Raul D. Gonzalez recognition festivities continued upstairs of City Hall with the City Commission’s formal proclamation citing March 16 as Raul D. Gonzalez Day.