Some have never had the opportunity to bury their dead. Others are bitter about deaths that occurred as a result of criminal acts of violence. Mothers mourn for their daughters. Husbands for their wives. Brothers for their sisters.
Trees are a symbol of life and growth.
When we plant a tree, we know that it will live and grow for a long time. Every year it will renew its leaves. It will give beauty, not only to us, but to those who live after us. And, in the same way, when we plant a tree in memory of somebody, we know that that memory will live on. We know that, every time we see that tree, it will remind us of the person who died or was hurt.