NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – In all the crime we see from day-to-day around us, one local neighborhood is reaching out in peace! News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez found a symbol of happiness in a surprising place!

For years the Central City neighborhood has been plagued with violence and death.  These neighbors got fed up, and are hoping to make a change with a simple symbol of life.

“This is the happy tree. You see me; I’m happy,” neighbor, Arthur Landry said.

Landry’s happiness is contagious. He credits this tree known in the neighborhood as “The Happy Tree” for bringing smiles and positivity to his block.

“You can’t find trees like this in City Park. I’ve been here 68 years, so I know,” he said.

At first glance, this Happy Tree looks like a typical Crepe Myrtle that you’d see after a Mardi Gras parade, but it’s actually much more.  It is a memorial tree for neighbor Edith Henderson’s son, who was murdered on this block, two years ago.

“I put up this tree when my son was killed. It’s a way to remember him,” Henderson said.

She didn’t just throw things up in the tree. She carefully placed beads, stuffed animals, and decorations on the branches.

“I took my time with it,” she said.

Tree treasures grace these branches as a reminder that violence isn’t the answer.

“People come from all over to take pictures of this tree. I’m going to start taking pictures of the car license plates so I can show you all the different places that people stop here from,”  Landry said.

This tree may make you feel like you’re celebrating Christmas in July because it shares the same sentiment as a Christmas tree does.

“Peace and happiness,” Landry said.

This tree’s symbolism and sentiment are proving it really should be a tree for all seasons!

“There’s nothing but love on this block,” he said.

The Happy Tree is located on Dryades and 7th Streets in Central City. Neighbors encourage you to come by and take a picture. They hope their tree will make you happy like it does for them!