The Survivor Tree: A Living Symbol of Resilience & a Visit from Together at Peace
By Together at Peace | Christine Marzullo
This summer, I had the honor of standing before one of the most powerful living symbols of hope and healing, the Survivor Tree at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
At the base of the Survivor Tree in New York City…
where new life took root after unimaginable loss, a powerful symbol of endurance and rebirth.
From the ashes of unimaginable tragedy, this Callery pear tree was found in the rubble of Ground Zero, burned, broken, and barely alive. And yet, it was saved. Gently removed from the site, it was nurtured back to life by the New York City Parks Department. In 2010, it was returned to the 9/11 Memorial, where it now stands tall and thriving, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the quiet, steady power of renewal.
As I stood beneath its branches, I was overcome with emotion. Here was a tree that had every reason to wither, and yet, it survived. It healed. And now, it offers shade, comfort, and a place of reflection for millions who come to remember.
In that moment, I placed a small Together at Peace stone at its base, a gesture of connection from our mission to this sacred space. It was a quiet offering. A whisper of solidarity. A reminder that healing comes in many forms, and that love has the power to reach through even the darkest chapters.
Our “Together at Peace” Hope Stone, rests at the base of the Survivor Tree.
A gesture of unity, healing, and remembrance.
Together at Peace: Honoring Grief, Nurturing Hope
At Together at Peace, we often speak about “carrying the light forward.” The Survivor Tree is that light. Scarred but strong. Quiet, but unshakable. Much like the families and communities we serve, it reminds us that while grief may change us, it does not define us. We are still capable of beauty, of legacy, of life.
We left that day feeling deeply moved, not just by the story of the tree, but by the thousands of notes, ribbons, and tributes left by strangers around it. So many voices, so many hearts finding comfort in a place where loss once reigned. This is the power of remembrance. This is the hope we carry, together.
If you’re ever in New York, I encourage you to visit this remarkable tree. Touch its bark. Read the stories. Breathe in its quiet strength. And know that healing is possible, not because the pain disappears, but because we choose to keep growing, keep loving, and keep remembering.
From our hearts at Together at Peace to yours, may we all keep growing in love and remembrance. 🕯️ If you have a story about your loved one that you’d like to share, we welcome you to submit it here. Let’s keep spreading the light that still shines.
