The Survivor Tree

Survivor Tree Credit: Mark Bays

At the highest point on the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial stands a very special tree in the hearts of the victims’ families, survivors and all those impacted by a senseless act of violence that struck the in heart of Oklahoma City 23 years ago.  This native American elm has come to represent hope and healing and stands strong as a symbol for all to reflect upon remembering those lives lost and honoring their memories.

Before the bombing, this tree was the only source of shade in the parking lot between the Murrah Federal Building and the Journal Record Building in downtown Oklahoma City. It was virtually unnoticed and seemingly insignificant except to the few people who parked beneath it.  Today the Survivor Tree, like the Oklahoma City community, stands strong honoring those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever from the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building.

Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) became involved with the recovery of the tree early on. Urban Forester Mark Bays was asked to assist with the care for the Survivor Tree in 1996 at the request of the Memorial Foundation and has continued ever since.

Many Oklahomans rallied around the tree and worked hard to keep the Survivor Tree alive and see it thrive. Since the very beginning the tree care industry in the state voluntarily gives their time, equipment and supplies whenever it’s needed. They helped collect the seeds in 1996 to begin the Survivor Tree Seedling Program.  The National Memorial wanted to be sure that the legacy and special meaning of this tree would live on so volunteers harvested the seeds from the Survivor Tree to grow a new generation of trees.  “I wanted to make sure the tree’s spirit continued to live on,” Bays said.

The Survivor Tree seedlings are grown by Sunshine Nursery located just north of Clinton. They were first available in 1997 and were offered to families of the victims. Trees were then reserved for survivors and rescuers before being made available to the public each year on April 19 at the annual remembrance ceremony. Approximately 300-400 seedlings are distributed each year on April 19 and people can own a part of the symbolic tree and Oklahoma City history.

It was important to help protect this special tree during the planning and construction of the National Memorial. Many participated in the planning process, working closely with the designers, construction crews, and others in all aspects of the construction relating to the Survivor Tree.

“I have worked on many construction projects but the feeling here was different,” Bays said.  “Everybody knew it was much more than any one of us and everyone worked together in a spirit dignity and respect.”

Over the years, Bays has developed relationships with many people who were impacted by that April day in 1995.  Their stories and memories are shared throughout the years and are a meaningful part each year when so many gather to remember and pay tribute at the remembrance ceremony.