Tree of Angels ceremony remembers lives lost to violence

MARBLE FALLS — While the holiday season is typically joyful, many people this time of year feel the loss of someone taken from them through violence.

But thanks to the dedication of the Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime, those families have a place and time they can honor their loved ones.

The annual Tree of Angels ceremony is 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Marble Falls Church of Christ, located at Avenue G and Broadway Street. The ceremony coincides with the statewide Tree of Angels week

“Under this forum and tradition, victims, survivors and their families bring an ‘angel’ ornament to place on this special tree in honor of their loved one,” according to a news release from the Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime.

All the names on the Tree of Angels are victims from the Highland Lakes. This year, sadly, six more angels will join the tree.

Guest speaker Ellen Halbert, for whom the women’s detention center in Burnet is named, will share a compelling story as a survivor of violent crime during the community event.

After the ceremony, the Tree of Angels will be placed at Marble Falls City Hall, 800 Third St., for the duration of the holiday season.

“Above all, the Tree of Angels is an expression of love, compassion and support,” according to the organization’s news release. “Since its inception, the Tree of Angels has become a memorable tradition, not only observed throughout Texas communities but … now a ceremony celebrated worldwide.”

Former 33rd/424th Judicial District Attorney Sam Oatman started the Highland Lakes Tree of Angels with a ceremony in 1998 on the lawn of the Llano County Courthouse. In 2005, the Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime, under the caring eyes of Bill Billbrey and Cindy Westbrook, took over the program.

Doors open at 4 p.m. for the ceremony. Go to treeofangels.net for more information.

editor@thepicayune.com