Today we celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day!  Johnny Appleseed became an American legend while still alive, largely because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance of apples.  Johnny Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman planted apple trees across the American Frontier. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent.  During the life of John Chapman, the “West” was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.  As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers.

Johnny Appleseed’s dream was for a land where blossoming apple trees were everywhere and no one was hungry.  A gentle and kind man, he slept outdoors and walked barefoot around the country planting apple seeds everywhere he went.  It is even told that he made his drinking water from snow by melting it with his feet.

Johnny was a friend to everyone he met.  His clothes were made from sacks and his hat was a tin pot.  He also used his hat for cooking.  His favorite book was the Bible.  John Chapman was a deeply religious person and was known to preach during his travels.  According to legend, Johnny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little.  He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received. 

So today let’s celebrate an American legend.  Eat an apple or two.  You know what they say.  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”