Tree of Angels honors victims of violent crimes
In memory of loved ones who have fallen victim to a violent crime, The Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime, along with Guy Taylor and the criminal justice students of Burnet High School, invite the public to the event at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium, 1000 The Green Mile.
The doors open at 5 p.m.
Every three seconds a violent crime is committed in the United States and residents of the Highland Lakes are not immune, officials said
“Mr. Taylor and his students have assisted us in providing this ceremony since its inception in 2005,” said Cindy Westbrook, executive director of the survivors’ group. “These students are committed to this cause and have worked with us hand-in-hand to ensure the Tree of Angels remains a memorable tradition observed throughout our communities. We are so grateful to have them as our co-sponsers.”
This year’s event marks the 11th anniversary of the Tree of Angels. The survivors’ group serves Burnet, Blanco, Llano and San Saba counties.
In 1998, the first Tree of Angels for the 33rd Judicial District was held on the west lawn of the Llano County Courthouse.
The forum brings together communities to remember, include and support survivors and those whose loved ones fell victim to a violent crime, sponsors said.
Following tradition, families bring an “Angel” ornament to place on the tree in honor of their loved one, a tree they may visit during the holiday season.
This year five new Angels will be added to the branches, including Marble Falls’ own Mike Allred, who was killed by a gunman Aug. 24, 2007, while working as a bouncer at a Marble Falls bar.
“It saddens our hearts that our list of Angels keeps growing, now more than 100,” said Westbrook. “We hope and pray that perhaps one of these years there will be none (to add).”
A reception follows the ceremony, and the city of Burnet will place the tree in the lobby of City Hall. The tree will remain lit through New Year’s Day in honor and remembrance of the victims, survivors and their families, officials said.
For more, call (325) 388-4720 or visit www.treeofangels.net.