A monument to healing, hope, and a life cut short
In the heart of Starkville’s Patriot Park, a solitary cherry blossom tree tells a tale of healing, hope, and a tragically short-lived life. It is more than just a tree – it is a monument, a tribute to 23-year-old Laterrance McCarter whose life was cut short due to a senseless act of gun violence on November 26, 2019.
McCarter’s mother, Jennie Mosby, finds solace and a spectrum of emotions when she looks at the cherry blossom tree. “Of course, (I think of) the hurt,” Mosby reflects, her voice heavy with motherly loss, “But then right in back of that, there’s a calmness because I feel him there too.”
The Memorial Tree Program
The tree was planted as part of the memorial tree program initiated by District Attorney Scott Colom’s office. The program aims to plant trees or rose bushes in honor of victims of gun violence. McCarter was the inaugural member of this program. Gathered at the planting ceremony in January 2020, family members, friends, and representatives from Colom’s office jointly honored McCarter.
Remembering Laterrance McCarter
Although McCarter’s life was tragically short, his memory continues to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. The cherry blossom tree serves as an ever-constant reminder of the love and light he brought to his family and community.
“I see hope,” says Mosby, reflecting on what the tree symbolizes to her. “I see a future…a future where maybe we can make a difference and let this (gun violence) stop.”
Beyond the personal significance to McCarter’s family, the cherry blossom tree is a local representation of the broader, national issue of gun violence. It provides a physical, living monument for Starkville to reflect upon the price the community pays when gun violence claims a life.
A Plea for Non-violence
Mosby implores the community to take note of the tree and its symbolism and to cultivate a spirit of non-violence. She also acknowledges the critical role that local administrations like Scott Colom’s office can play in tackling the issue of gun violence.
“We have to make sure the message is heard by everyone – our children, our neighbors,” says Mosby. “The tree is a symbol of Laterrance. But it is also a symbol of hope that we can stop these tragedies from happening.”
Moving Forward
Time heals, they say, and Mosby has found some truth in that adage. With the cherry blossom tree standing tall in memory of her son, she admits that remembering him brings forth a bittersweet feeling. Yet, she also appreciates the healing power the tree holds for her and the attachment she has formed with it.
Every time Mosby visits the cherry blossom tree, she is reminded of all the last words she spoke with her son – an exchange of love and a promise to see each other when they got home. Although McCarter never made it home that fateful day, in many ways, his mother feels like he did.
He is there, in the bark and the branches, in the delicate cherry blossom petals, in every rustle of the leaves, and in the quiet whispers of the wind. He is there, at home, among those he loved.
