Twelve oak trees are newly planted in Roanoke parks to honor victims of gun violence, with a special dedication to Thomas Hairston, who was shot earlier this year. Juanettia Hairston, Thomas’s bonus mother, expressed that the tree symbolizes a lasting memory, creating a space of healing and remembrance for families who have suffered such losses.
The initiative, called “Planting Peace,” aims to provide both a tribute to the deceased and a message of hope in reducing violence. Catherine Koebel, a commissioner with the Gun Violence Prevention Commission, highlights that these trees, expected to live for 150 years, serve as a permanent reminder of the community’s commitment to preventing further tragedies. The project is set to expand throughout the summer with additional dedications planned for other victims and their families.
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