Spreading Hope to the Nation

November 6, 2006

On December 11, 2001 the City of Hampton created a lasting memorial at Gosnold Hope Park to honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Eleven evergreen trees were planted in co-mingled soils from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania crash site of United Flight 93. The trees represent a living legacy for those who were lost in the attacks and serve as a symbol of strength and hope.

Each year, Hampton citizens commemorate the September 11th attacks by gathering around these Trees of Hope and reading aloud the names of those lost in the attacks as well as all of those who have given their lives to preserve freedom since 9/11.

On November 9, 2006 the City of Hampton had the opportunity to share this tribute with people across the nation as the Pentagon planted its own Tree of Hope with soil from Hampton's memorial. The ceremony honored all those who lost their lives at the three sites, and had in attendance state and city leaders, firefighters, and police officers. Hampton Mayor Ross Kearney, Councilwoman Angela Leary, and City Manager Jesse Wallace hand-delivered the soil to the Pentagon for the ceremony.