WBIW.com News - state

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Hoosiers, Local Leaders Gather For 9/11 Survivor Tree Planting Ceremony

Last updated on Saturday, September 8, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Mayor Joe Hogsett along with state and local leaders took part in a tree planting ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial on Saturday, Sept. 8, in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks 17 years ago.

The tree planted during the ceremony is a sapling from a Callery pear tree that withstood the 9/11 attacks and was replanted in 2010 at the Memorial in New York City after much rehabilitation by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

"The tree was once burned and broken and now has smooth, blossoming branches," said Paul McCormack, Retired NYPD Deputy Inspector. "The sapling from the tree that is now planted in Hoosier soil in commemoration of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, stands as living proof of America's resiliency and survival in the face of terror."

McCormack made the journey to Indiana with family members of first responders who lost their lives during the deadliest terror attack on American soil. They are traveling the United States with the Ground Zero 360 Exhibition.

The Ground Zero 360 Exhibit is comprised of photos, stories and donated artifacts from 9/11, allowing Hoosiers to take a step back in the past and feel what 8 million New Yorkers were feeling in the days that followed the attacks in 2001 and cost 3,000 Americans their lives.

"The Ground Zero 360 Exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of the tragedy that our country faced on September 11th, 2001," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "In the wake of the attacks that September morning, brave Hoosiers stepped forward, as they always do, to assist their brothers and sisters in critical rescue and recovery efforts. Now, with the planting of this tree, we will have a permanent reminder of the incredible courage shown by first responders in our country's time of need."

Hoosiers can visit the Ground Zero 360 Exhibit now through February of 2019. The survivor tree planted at the Indiana War Memorial will be a permanent remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price and as a tribute to the Hoosiers that joined in the rescue efforts after 9/11.

For more information about Ground Zero 360, visit www.groundzero360.org.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page