Planting a living memory

When the Twin Towers fell, reactions ran the gamut from angry to emotionless, but everyone wanted to do something. Some donated blood, some cried out for war and some went to their homes with a new appreciation of family and friendship. But New Yorkers knew that many people had lost their loved ones that day and they wanted to memorialize those who were no longer with us.
Rather than rush to rebuild on the footprint of the fallen towers, they planted seeds that would one day become towering treesFreedom Trees dedicated to the memory of those who are no longer with us.
"Its a living memorial and tribute to those lost on September 11," said Councilman Joe Addabbo Jr. "I think that makes it quite unique. After September 11, there were many tributes, many statues and plaques, but a living tribute is one of the best kind of memorials we could have. Thats what intrigued me most about the idea."
The idea behind this living memorial was introduced in an April 2002 Queens Courier editorial calling on every American town and city "to plant a Freedom Tree for each one of its sons and daughters" who perished in the September 11 attacks.
The editorial outlined the inspiration for the Freedom Trees, stating that "Liberty Trees were planted by patriots across the colonies in the 1760s to show solidarity for the cause of independence. They were a living, thriving emblem of popular support for individual freedom and resistance to tyranny. It was beneath the sheltering arms of the first Liberty Tree in Boston that the Sons of Liberty, this countrys first freedom fighters, assembled to debate how best to achieve the rights that Americans have since come to treasure as inalienablerights that the terrorists of September 11 besieged."
The strong words of that editorial moved Councilman James Sanders to co-sponsor a resolution with Councilman Joseph Addabbo that urged the City Council to adopt the Freedom Tree idea.
"I did see it, Councilman Sanders saw it and I believe a number of other Queens Councilmembers saw the editorial as well," Addabbo said. "As chair of the Parks Committee, any interest in parks and trees caught my attention a lot. Being one of the forerunners of promoting the concept of Freedom Trees has been my pleasure."
While some councilmembers had doubts about the cost of the Freedom Trees, many of the most ardent supporters surmised that the cost could be shouldered with support from private companies, civic associations and fund-raising. Councilman Addabbo noted that allowing family members and friends to plant the trees would establish a more personal bond with the memorial. Unsurprisingly, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the Council.
"With the city going through its worst fiscal situation ever, the cost of the Freedom Trees was obviously an issue," said Addabbo, "but the cost of the trees really should never be compared with the amount of loved ones lost on September 11. In my discussions with [Parks] Commissioner [Adrian] Benepe, he embraced the idea as well, so once we had the commissioner agreeing to the concept of Freedom Trees, we knew the project was on the right track and could be carried forward."
Plantings were planned in Queens, and on June 5 of this year, with the support of the City Council and financial backing from The Queens Courier, Freedom Trees were planted at Landing Strip Park in Jackson Heights.
Antoinette and Sal Zuccarello, owners of Queens Garden Flower Shop in Whitestone, worked with the Parks Department to create a meditative space where people could go to reflect upon 9/11. Together, they turned the park, which is a fly-over for jets and so had not been developed for more than walking or jogging, into a beautiful and meaningful space with trees and aesthetically positioned boulders.
"We liked participating in the Freedom Tree project because we know its something that will last a long time. Trees are good for the environment and can be appreciated and enjoyed by our kids and grandkids. Its a memorial and also a gathering place," said Antionette Zuccarello.
Also in attendance at the planting were Queens Courier publisher Victoria Schneps, Queens Parks Commissioner Richard Murphy, Assistant Commissioner of Queens Parks Estelle Cooper, and David Rosero of Community Board 3. Later this month, the trees planted on that date will be formally dedicated with plaques.
"It is a growing concept," said Addabbo. "Its truly a living and growing tribute to those lost. It is still an ongoing project and will forever be. As were able to come out of these financial troubles that the city is in and we can fund programs more, well be able to give more funding to the Freedom Trees."
As the project continues to move forward, albeit at a slower pace, support hasnt wavered. The site has remained beautiful and clean, and a second grouping of trees was planted at Lefferts Playground on Lefferts Boulevard in South Ozone Park near JFK Airport.
"At the time we were concerned about so many complaints in the area and we thought it would make things more peaceful. The idea was pretty interesting and I brought it up to my colleagues. Community Board 3 fully supported the idea," said Rosero. "I pass by almost daily and I see it looks clean and everything is in order."
"I think its a wonderful gesture. Its nice to see that there are so many tributes to all of the fallen victims of September 11. Whether its some of the new street name changes, Freedom Trees, plaques or monuments. Its important that we never forget September 11 and that we learn from it," said Councilman Dennis Gallagher, who has been instrumental in attaining street renamings in memory of September 11 victims.
The hallmark of the Freedom Trees is that they are respectful to the memory of the individuals lost, are recognizable and accessible to everyone throughout Queens and New York City. The trees are very much a metaphor for the healing process weve all endured. As the trees have grown, so have our spirits, and we have gotten stronger together.