The courtyard at the former Dominion Energy Transmission Inc. headquarters in Clarksburg, WV, is now home to a particular tree that will grow to a towering 40 feet tall. But this tree doesn't hold honor in the community due to its future height, but rather, because it originated in the rubble of Ground Zero in New York City.
In October 2001, after the 9/11 tragedy, people found a severely damaged, but still living, pear tree in the debris of the Twin Towers. This tree became known as the "Survivor Tree" after it was removed from the rubble, rehabilitated, and in 2010 replanted at the 9/11 Memorial in NYC. It stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.
Dominion Energy supports the Survivor Tree Program, which started after 9/11, and shares a spirit of rebirth with communities who have endured tragedy.
From this concept of honoring a tragic past with a hopeful future, the Survivor Tree Program was created to share this spirit of rebirth with other communities that have endured tragedy. Each year, recipient towns are selected, and in 2019, Clarksburg, WV, welcomed its young Survivor Tree, which was formed from the original tree planted at Ground Zero.
The Survivor Tree committee asked why West Virginia should receive a tree. Clarksburg Councilman James Malfregeot responded by saying, "Since 1886, West Virginia has lost 2,676 coal miners in mine disasters." The committee's response was, "Say no more." The councilman added that this park honors these lives lost and those entrusted with our protection in times of need. The new First Responders Park is where the survivor tree now proudly stands. The park was created in honor of those who serve, and we are grateful to those who have helped bring this project to fruition.
Dominion Energy donated $5,000 in support of this memorial and living tribute. The company also donated its former General Office Building property, which includes the park, to the Harrison County Board of Education. Today, the property also houses The Harrison County United Way and the Harrison County Historical Museum.
Christine Mitchell is the External Affairs Manager at Dominion Energy and chairs the Community Investment Board for WV. She explains, "The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is privileged to support this initiative. It honors the lives lost on September 11th and offers encouragement to the loved ones who carry on after that dreadful day. Through this donation, we also hope to recognize our local first responders as they bravely serve our community—especially during this pandemic."
