The Erath County victim services staff will host the 22nd Annual Tree of Angels ceremony Thursday Dec. 7.
The Tree of Angels is a time for victims, families and friends of victims to come together and remember those that have been victimized or lost due to violent crime.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 4, victims, families and friends are invited to bring a new angel to place on the tree at the Donald R. Jones Justice Center located at 298 S. Graham in Stephenville during business hours Monday through Friday.
In 1991, the Tree of Angels was initiated in Austin, Texas by People Against Violent Crime.
The Tree of Angels recognizes that the holiday season is a difficult time for victims and their families. This special event honors surviving victims of violent crime and victims’ families by making it possible for loved ones to bring an Angel Ornament to place on a special Christmas tree.
It is a reverent forum for the community to join together to remember, include and support victims of crime who are a part of our lives and communities. Above all, the Tree of Angels is an expression of the realization of love. Since its inception, the Tree of Angels has become a memorable tradition observed throughout Texas communities within 32 counties and in Australia.
On March 21, 2000, the United States Patent and Trademark Office registered the Tree of Angels. On November 9, 2000, Former Governor George W. Bush issued a statewide Proclamation.
In 2002, Erath County District Attorney victim services began a Tree of Angels program to remember victims and their families and to honor surviving victims of violent crime in our community.
Please join us this year as Erath County hosts the 22nd annual Tree of Angels program. May God bless you during this Christmas season and the coming year, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.