WEST LIBERTY, Ky. (WYMT) - A memorial service was held in West Liberty for all that was lost nearly 9 months ago.

A coffee tree now stands in memory of what was lost, but also represents what's to come in West Liberty.

“Any time you plant a tree it's very symbolic about hope for the future and I think it has shown the resiliency of the people of Morgan County,” said State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer.

Tony Smith is one of the people who felt that loss when his father died from injuries he suffered during the tornado.

“The room that he was in it had taken the roof off taken the walls, it had picked him up slammed him against the fireplace and busted his ribs,” said Smith.

But Friday his father and many others were honored at a ceremony organized by state police.

The largest recorded coffee tree in the area was near the old court house and was destroyed in the tornados.

They hope that the new one at the park will stand in its place, and remind everyone of future growth and past memories.

“As this tree starts blooming in the spring, it'll be the same thing we've been doing since February, 29th and March, 2nd,” said Judge Executive Tim Conley.

“For years to come I can come down here and remember what today represented,” said Smith.

It’s one more reminder of this resilient community.

A coffee tree now stands in memory of what was lost, but also represents what's to come in West Liberty.

“Any time you plant a tree it's very symbolic about hope for the future and I think it has shown the resiliency of the people of Morgan County,” said State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer.

Tony Smith is one of the people who felt that loss when his father died from injuries he suffered during the tornado.

“The room that he was in it had taken the roof off taken the walls, it had picked him up slammed him against the fireplace and busted his ribs,” said Smith.

But Friday his father and many others were honored at a ceremony organized by state police.

The largest recorded coffee tree in the area was near the old court house and was destroyed in the tornados.

They hope that the new one at the park will stand in its place, and remind everyone of future growth and past memories.

“As this tree starts blooming in the spring, it'll be the same thing we've been doing since February, 29th and March, 2nd,” said Judge Executive Tim Conley.

“For years to come I can come down here and remember what today represented,” said Smith.

It’s one more reminder of this resilient community.