A Callery pear tree that was discovered severely damaged beneath the rubble at Ground Zero. After years of careful nurturing, it returned to the Memorial Plaza as a living symbol of survival, resilience, and hope—growing stronger than ever before.
In October 2001, a severely damaged Callery pear tree was discovered among the rubble at Ground Zero. The tree was barely alive, with its branches broken and roots damaged. Recovery worker Frank Silecchia found the tree and recognized its symbolic importance as a survivor.
The tree was carefully removed and taken to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation's Arthur Ross Nursery in the Bronx, where it received intensive care for nearly a decade. Horticulturists nursed it back to health, and it gradually began to flourish once again.
In December 2010, the Survivor Tree returned to the World Trade Center site, planted in the Memorial Plaza where it stands today. Now healthy and strong, it serves as a powerful reminder that life endures and hope persists, even after the most devastating events.
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Found damaged beneath the rubble of Ground Zero in October 2001, the tree was barely clinging to life when recovery worker Frank Silecchia spotted it.
Spent nine years at Arthur Ross Nursery in the Bronx, where dedicated horticulturists provided intensive care to restore the tree's health and vitality.
Replanted in Memorial Plaza in December 2010, the tree returned stronger than ever, symbolizing the renewal and resilience of the human spirit.
Today, the tree flourishes as a living reminder that hope endures, life persists, and from great loss can come renewed strength and growth.
Honor the memory of those lost on September 11th through guided tours of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Experience this sacred space with respect, understanding, and hope for the future.
Lower Manhattan, NY
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