ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
Press Contact:
Jason Sohigian, Deputy Director
Tel: (617) 926-8733
Email: info@armeniatree.org
PRESS RELEASE
April 11, 2005
ATP Launches `Trees of Hope’ Campaign For 90th Anniversary of Armenian
Genocide
WATERTOWN, MA–This month, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) announced the launch
of its `Trees of Hope’ campaign in observance of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
`ATP is inviting Armenians all over the world to join us as we remember the
past and embrace the future by planting Trees of Hope all across the
Armenian Homeland,’ stated ATP Executive Director Jeff Masarjian. `These
memorial trees are not only an inspiring way to honor our lost ancestors but
also a very practical way to preserve the precious Armenian
Homeland–restoring its environmental integrity and scenic beauty.’
ATP’s inaugural planting for the 2005 season will begin with 90,000 trees,
symbolizing the 90 years that have passed since the first genocide in modern
history. `Our goal is to grow many thousands of Trees of Hope to maturity in
time for the milestone 100th anniversary commemoration,’ added Mr.
Masarjian. `With a thriving Armenian landscape in 2015, it will be evident
that the Armenian Spirit is alive and well with all the life, beauty, and
hope of Nature.’
Given the importance of breaking ground during this year’s planting season,
the Trees of Hope initiative is supported by a comprehensive campaign
designed to reach the widest audience possible. The community-based campaign
includes print advertising, direct mail, satellite television and local
radio, as well as promotion on the Web. It also extends to broadcast media
in Armenia to help raise awareness of ATP and generate enthusiasm among
local communities who will directly benefit from the Trees of Hope program,
both environmentally and economically.
Those who adopt Trees of Hope may participate with gifts in a range starting
from $15, which covers the propagating, planting, and caretaking of one
tree. In addition to a single commemorative tree, they can adopt a four-tree
cluster, an eight-tree grove, a 35-tree arbor, or pledge a 100-tree woodland
or 335-tree forest. Participants also can opt to receive a personalized
Trees of Hope certificate as a keepsake.
`The Trees of Hope campaign gives every Armenian an opportunity to make a
gesture of remembrance that is also a pledge to Armenia’s future,’ noted ATP
Advisory Board Member Nancy Kricorian. `Traditionally an Armenian’s sense of
identity is rooted in a place–a village, a town, a community–and through
the deep roots these trees will put down in Armenian soil, we are making a
commitment to our ancestors and to the generations who will follow.’
ATP Founder Carolyn Mugar pointed out that `By planting these memorial trees
in Armenia, we are helping to put hope and pride on the Armenian horizon for
both its struggling citizens and its worldwide diaspora. Through this and
other tree-planting initiatives, we also hope that our efforts may serve as
an inspiration for other developing nations or recent survivors of genocide
now in the process of healing and rebuilding.’
`It is our vision that one day the images of uprooted Armenian victims on a
death march through the Syrian desert will be replaced by images of an
Armenian Homeland flourishing with bounty and firmly rooted in opportunity.
Not because we have forgotten the past, but because we now are able to
redeem it. We urge Armenians everywhere to take a few moments of their time
to share in this positive expression of remembrance,’ emphasized Ms. Mugar.
Participation in the Trees of Hope campaign, under the leadership of ATP, is
easy. Donations can be made by mail, phone, or online. For additional
information, call (617) 926-8733 or go to