MONACO REMEMBERS: H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT OF MONACO COMMEMORATES VICTIMS OF SEPTEMBER 11th TERRORIST ATTACKS WITH LIVING MEMORIAL GROVE

Thousands of Trees To Be Planted Throughout New York City in Remembrance of Lives Lost

NEW YORK -- October 27, 2003 - H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert of Monaco is proud to announce the creation of the Living Memorial Tree Foundation (LMTF), which was established under His Patronage to honor the victims of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center. With the help and support of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, American Forests, and Municipal Art Society of New York, the LMTF sponsored The Living Memorial Grove, located on Park Row, across from City Hall, to serve as a living tribute to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks. This memorial features five surviving trees recovered from Ground Zero. The LMTF is sponsoring additional memorials throughout the city. A dedication ceremony of The Living Memorial Grove with Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, among others, was made on October 27 of this year in the presence of Prince Albert.

“On behalf of the Principality of Monaco and all the contributors to the Living Memorial Tree Foundation, I am honored to establish this significant memorial in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11th,” said H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, who has long-lasting ties with the United States, largely on account of his American-born mother, the late Princess Grace.

“Parks & Recreation would like to thank H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco and the sponsors of the Living Memorial Grove project for offering their generous support to the people of New York City,” said Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Our parks and their trees are like green cathedrals, offering comfort during difficult times, and these new trees will help us remember those we lost on September 11, 2001. We are grateful to the Municipal Art Society and American Forests for helping to arrange this gift.”

In addition, the LMTF will also sponsor the planting of 2,972 trees throughout New York City. Each tree planted will serve as a living legacy for the lives lost at the World Trade Center. Starting this fall and continuing through 2004 the American Forests’ Historic Tree Nursery in Jacksonville, FL. will grow these trees for planting in natural areas throughout New York City. The trees will be saplings native to the New York City area.

"The Living Memorial Grove serves as a symbol of healing and hope for the future," said Deborah Gangloff, Executive Director of American Forests. "There is no better way to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 than by making the environment healthier for future generations."

The LMTF has also sponsored 16 Freedom Trees for installation at FDNY stations, NYPD precincts, and Port Authority of New York & New Jersey facilities. The City will plant two Dawn redwoods at eight sites to serve as reminders of the sacrifices that the City’s emergency service personnel make every day on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers, and, in particular, the tremendous sacrifice made by those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Eventually the City hopes to plant as many trees as possible at first responder facilities across the city.

In 2002, The Living Memorial Tree Foundation (LMTF) was established in New York under the direction of Prince Albert of Monaco and with the assistance of the Municipal Art Society of New York. The foundation was named the principal charity benefiting from the Monte Carlo Invitational–Pro Celebrity Golf Tournament, an annual charity golf event hosted by the Prince each fall. The event was cancelled the previous year in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks on America. Prince Albert, who has strong ties with the American people, saw it fitting that proceeds raised from this charity event go to honor the victims of the attacks.

About American Forests
American Forests has a vision of healthy forest ecosystems growing in every community across the United States and worldwide. Its three main programs- Forest Policy, Urban Forests, and Global ReLeaf- provide information on important forest policy issues and action opportunities that allow people to improve their environment with trees. American Forests publishes American Forests magazine and can be found on the Internet at www.americanforests.org. American Forests presented the LMTF with the “Global ReLeaf Award…Remembering 9/11” on September 20, 2003. Global ReLeaf is an education and action campaign designed to plant trees in urban and rural environmental restoration projects that have been damaged by fire, disease, pests or neglect. Through an extensive network of partners, American Forests has planted over 20 million trees in over 500 restoration projects in 22 countries.

For more information, contact the Consulate General of Monaco at 565 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 286-0500; or e-mail at info@monaco-consulate.com.