Res. No. 318
Title
Resolution calling upon the City of New York to invoke the spirit of the historic "Liberty Trees" by planting "Freedom Trees" in neighborhoods throughout the City to honor the memories of the men and women who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Body
By Council Members Sanders, Addabbo, Gennaro, Gerson, Gioia, Comrie, Baez, Barron, Boyland, Brewer, Clarke, Davis, DeBlasio, Dilan, Felder, Jackson, Katz, Liu, Martinez, McMahon, Monserrate, Nelson, Recchia, Reyna, Rivera, Sears, Serrano, Stewart, Vann, Quinn, Weprin, Gallagher, Golden, Lanza and Oddo; also Council Members and Seabrook
Whereas, During the 1760's American patriots came together beneath "Liberty Trees" to unite in support of independence and freedom; and
Whereas, "Liberty Trees" such as the large elm tree that existed at the corner of Essex Street and Orange Street in Boston, Massachusetts and the tulip poplar that once stood on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland were important patriotic symbols in American History; and
Whereas, "Liberty Trees" were planted throughout the 13 colonies before and during the War for Independence as symbols of American Colonial solidarity; and
Whereas, Hundreds of New Yorkers from every borough were among the almost 3,000 victims killed during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center; and
Whereas, Currently there are many impassioned discussions being held to identify and agree upon ways of honoring the victims who gave their lives during that terrorist attack; and
Whereas, The planting of these "Freedom Trees" would neither serve as a substitute for, nor justify reducing the size or scope of, a memorial at the World Trade Center site for those who lost their lives their in the September 11 attacks; and
Whereas, The planting of "Freedom Trees" in the American patriotic tradition, to honor these fallen heroes, in their own communities, would serve as living grassroots memorials to their legacy; and
Whereas, The planting of these "Freedom Trees" would symbolize the solidarity of all New Yorkers against terrorism and for the causes of freedom and liberty; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the City of New York to invoke the spirit of the historic "Liberty Trees" by planting "Freedom Trees" in neighborhoods throughout the City to honor the memories of the men and women who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
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LS# 454