Racine Sun

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin recently attended a ceremony in celebration of planting the Peace Tree.

The ceremony was held Thursday, Oct. 14 at Pennoyer Park in Kenosha and was hosted by the City of Kenosha and members of the Menominee Tribe, according to Kenosha News. 

“This Peace Tree symbolizes a new moment for Kenosha as we work toward one shared interest – a safe and prosperous community for all. Grateful to @MenomineeW and @City_of_Kenosha for having me join you as we continue our work together, stronger together,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) wrote in a tweet. 

The ceremony included a performance by the Wolf River Singers and Tribal drum team, as well as speeches by Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian, Sen. Baldwin, Pastor Roy Peeples of Turning Point Life Church and members of the Menominee Tribe. Adrian Miller, former CEO of Menominee Tribal Enterprises, donated the White Pine Tree to be planted as the Peace Tree, Kenosha News reported. 

The White Pine Tree is a traditional symbol of peace to several of indigenous nations and can grow to be more than 200 feet tall and live for more than 500 years, according to Tree Spirit Wisdom. The White Pine Tree is also representative of creating a safe place where balance and clear-headed decisions can be made. 

The donation made by the Menominee Tribe follows a period of civil unrest in Kenosha in 2020 and is a symbol by the tribe for new unity, change and growth moving forward, according to Visit Kenosha.