“The Survivor Tree”
@ Oklahoma City National Museum
“The Survivor Tree”
“The Survivor Tree”
The inscription around the tree reads,
“The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated;
our deeply rooted faith sustains us.”
———————————————
The Survivor Tree in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City is an American Elm Tree which more than 80 years old. It survived the April 19, 1995 terrorist bomb’s blast.
The tree was almost chopped down to recover pieces of evidence that hung from its branches and embedded in the trunk of the tree due to the force of the bomb that killed 168 and injured hundreds.
Community members, family members of those who were killed, survivors and rescue workers came together to write the Memorial Mission Statement. One of its resolutions required that the Memorial include the “Survivor Tree”.
Cuttings of the Survivor Tree are growing in nurseries all over Oklahoma. Owners of the participating landscape nurseries, arborists, urban foresters and expert horticulturists from across the state and country have come together to work and preserve this piece of history; no charge to the Memorial for their services. None of these people have ever charged the Memorial for their work.
Each year, the Memorial Facilities and Grounds crew are provided hundreds of seeds. They plant the seeds and distribute the resulting saplings each year on the anniversary of the bombing. Today, thousands of Survivor Trees are growing in public and private places all over the United States.
For previous episodes of Sunday Trees
______________________________________________
Other blogs that often offer Sunday Trees:
Siggi @ SiggiofMaine
______________________________________________
© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2012
"On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea" 
Pingback: Sunday Trees – 56 « siggiofmaine
I had no idea of this wonderful tree. Just by surviving it teaches us all a very profound lesson. Thank You!
LikeLike
Yes it does and I love the idea that saplings are grown to use throughout the US! I feel in love with it.
LikeLike
I think that quote says it all. It gave this site more meaning for me to continue supporting you . Thank You
LikeLike
leahJlyn – it is always nice when you stop for a visit. Thank you!!
LikeLike
What an inspiring story – I love that seedlings are going everywhere. Was it you who posted about the loblolly pines in Bastrop? I can’t remember. Anyway – the short story is there were some seeds in the freezer, and now those seedlings are being planted, too. We CAN help, if we just will!
LikeLike
Wasn’t me with the pines ….
I do like the beauty of sharing forward from treasures of the past. There is so much we could do — but don’t always think of the different ways — maybe because we don’t realize the impact it could make. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
What an interesting story, Becca and a beautiful picture of the tree. Here in Nova Scotia, Canada, we have lost most of our oak trees to disease. They were so beautiful lining the streets of many towns. We all miss them.
LikeLike
Ellecee, we keep a watchful eye on our 3 ancient oaks on our property — as there is Oak Wilt in the area … I would hate to lose ours as well. It is sad to see the decline of the majestic trees.
LikeLike