University of Arizona College of Medicine students planted a tree Wednesday to honor the memories of those who donated their bodies to science.
The annual event, dubbed the Tree Blessing Ceremony,was at Banner UMC Tucson, 1501 N. Campbell.
Students used donated bodies to study human anatomy.
"The blessing ceremony helps students recognize that willed bodies are a gift," said Carlos Gonzales, assistant dean of curricular affairs and an associate professor of family and community medicine, in a statement. "We honor the sacrifice of these donors and acknowledge that their gift to the UA is not something to be taken for granted."
The UA established the Willed Body Program in 1967. After as many as two years of study, the donated bodies are cremated and scattered.
