A few years back, Payne’s came across an extraordinary story — that of a pear tree that not only endured the devastation of 9/11, but flourished in the years that followed. As we pause to honor this day, we share with you the powerful legacy of The Survivor Tree.
This Callery pear was pulled from the wreckage at Ground Zero in October 2001, its roots torn, branches burned, and trunk nearly lifeless. Rescued by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the tree was nurtured back to health and, in 2010, returned to the 9/11 Memorial. From its scarred trunk, new branches have grown — a striking symbol of both its past struggles and present renewal.
Today, the Survivor Tree stands as a living emblem of resilience and hope. Extending its legacy even further, the 9/11 Memorial shares seedlings each year with communities that have faced tragedy, ensuring the spirit of survival and rebirth continues to take root around the world.
Launched in 2013, the Survivor Tree Seedling Program, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts and John Bowne High School in Queens, keeps this story alive — reminding us that even in the darkest of times, renewal is possible.
Click on the link to learn more. Source: www.911memorial.org
