Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
April 14 2005
‘Trees of Hope’ campaign to beautify homeland
Thursday, April 14, 2005
This month, the Armenia Tree Project 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,” said
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.
Those who adopt Trees of Hope may participate with gifts
starting from $15, which covers the propagating, planting and
care-taking 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.
Carolyn Mugar, founder of the Armenia Tree Project, said, “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.”
Mugar added, “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.”
Donations can be made by mail, phone, or online. For additional
information, call 617-926-8733 or go to