Why do we memorialize things and people?
Beauty and elegance reign in the memorial structures we build. Even the simplest headstone and generic urns are designed to look good for centuries. It's the idea that famous events and people of yesteryear will always be with us. They remain in our hearts and in our daily thoughts.
But, alas, because of the infinite connection that each human has with each other member of humanity (past, present, and future) memorials are not just for the famous. No one would likely argue that it is every mans natural right to be memorialized.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10
So, to memorialize is the most natural of human traditions besides being the most special.
“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to theLord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.”—Exodus 12:14
However, most memorials are made of stone or nonferrous metals. 
One of the more popular ways to memorialize a life is to create a memorial planting. This may be done by planting a tree, bush, or flowers in a meaningful location. The resonating power of trees is used to bring people together and to create lasting, living memorials. A living memorial fitting to members of our family, to our community, and to those who served to protect us.
The most meaningful location is the land of Israel. Olive trees thrive in well-draining, sandy soil. They need full sun, a long, hot growing season, and a winter of at least three months with temperatures ranging from 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Grown in these conditions, olive trees will begin producing olives when 5 or 6 years old. Olive production increases with time and will become most efficient when the tree reaches 40 or 50 years old.
The greatest living memorial is an olive tree. Many olive trees in the groves around the Mediterranean are said to be
hundreds of years old, while an age of 2,000 years is claimed for a number of individual trees; in some cases, this has been scientifically verified. The average lifespan of an olive tree is 500 years!
A living memorial that provides sustainable agriculture for centuries. A living memorial that you attribute to those who touched your life. A living memorial that will provide jobs for Israelis and a greater quality of life for those who consume the trees olive oil. All from your memorial!
Go here to choose how you will memorialize your loved one. Sponsor a sapling, a 1 to 2-year-old tree, or a mature 10 to 30-year-old tree in their name. Leave a legacy and a memory in the Holy Land today! Payment plans are now available.
Our olive trees stand the test of time as a sign of solidarity and friendship from your family to the nation of Israel; they are a spiritual, economic, and environmental blessing. These trees are a one-time gift that keeps on giving year after year and enables you to have a physical root in the Holy Land.
Over 20,000 olive trees have been sponsored through My Olive Tree. Here are the typical reasons sponsors choose to plant a tree in Israel through My Olive Tree:
- Memorialize a fallen soldier
- Honor our veterans
- Memorialize our elders
- Memorialize a traumatic moment in time
- Get a gift for that person who has everything
Go here to choose how you will memorialize your loved one. Sponsor a sapling, a 1 to 2-year-old tree, or a mature 10 to 30-year-old tree in their name. Leave a legacy and a memory in the Holy Land today! Payment plans are now available.