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‘Trees of Hope’ campaign to beautify homeland

Belmont Citizen-Herald
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