The September 11 Attacks, also known as 9/11, forever changed the lives of Americans. To this day, stories are swapped about where we were when we heard that planes had hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. While much healing has been done, the memory is still very vivid for most Americans — even 20 years later. 

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we created a memorial garden at Gillette Stadium with the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. On September 9th 2021, a ceremony was held at the stadium to launch the opening of two other exhibits for the 20th anniversary of 9/11: a display wall, and a memorial of steel from the World Trade Center.

The Memorial Garden

The garden features a semi-circle of six flowering dogwood trees, one to represent each of the six New England states. Memory stones, which were created by players and cheerleaders of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution, were placed at the base of the trees to recognize lives lost from New England.

Dogwood trees are a perfect representation of having the ability to thrive during challenging times even as they bloom. This landscape tree, which is native to North America, is symbolic of rebirth and change. It also has a rich history in the region, as Indigenous people would use the blossoming of the dogwood trees as sign of the changing seasons, to begin planting their harvest, particularly corn. This garden will be open to the public. 

A Team Effort

In true New England fashion, this memorial garden was a team effort. As a country, we've had to unite over the last 20 years to heal from this experience. And like trees, we're stronger when we stand together. We hope that this 9/11 Memorial Tree Planting serves as a reminder of our collective strength in overcoming hardships. Not only will these trees be a living installation of resilience, they will provide hope and beauty to all those who visit the garden to remember the brave souls who endured this tragic event. 

If you would like to honor a loved one, you may plant a treehere.