Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) joined his House colleagues to plant a tree at the U.S. Capitol to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. The memorial tree is a swamp white oak, over 400 of which were recently planted on the plaza of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center.  The tree is fast-growing and has a lifespan of up to 350 years.  It was planted on the House-side of the U.S. Capitol Square, across from the Rayburn House Office Building with a dramatic view of the U.S. Capitol from the site of the tree.

“This planting is a symbolic rebirth honoring the loss of September 11, and the hope for the future.  I thank my colleague, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, for initiating this ceremony.  As time passes, the tree will grow larger and stronger, just like the American spirit and resolve, and will soon become part of the landscape here in Washington,” said Rep. Engel.

###

Pictured - Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY),  Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY)