Friends, families and state agencies gathered to remember those victimized by crime on the first day of Crime Victim's Week.
Each year, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Board of Parole, Department of Corrections, and TRICOR plant trees in cities across the state in remembrance of those impacted by crime.
In addition to paying tribute to victims, the trees also serve as a tribute to their families.
"Trees bend with the forces of wind and weather but they do not break. They are strong and resilient and symbolize the steadfastness of the people who have experienced crime but refuse to be beaten by it," said Mark Gwyn.
Monday morning's tree planting at Bicentennial Mall was delayed due to the rain. Eleven other tree planting ceremonies will take place across the state this week.
