9th Annual 'Heroes Tree' Lighting to Honor CT Veterans in Old Saybrook, CT

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. - Nov. 30, 2018 - PRLog -- State, federal and local dignitaries, local veterans, The American Legion, VFW, the Westbrook Elks, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, Gold Star families and the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line and OSFD / OSPD Honor Guards, will gather Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at 5 p.m. for the ninth annual lighting of the town and state's first official "Heroes Tree" at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook.

Radio morning talk show host Lee Elci 94.9 News Now will be master of ceremonies and will be joined by invited special guests, CT Governor Elect, Ned Lamont, First Selectman of Stonington U.S. Army Veteran Colonel Rob Simmons, and Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr.,

The public is encouraged to attend the special 5 p.m. tree lighting. Those gathered around the tree will pay tribute to deceased, injured and active members of our armed forces from Connecticut. "God Bless America" will be sung by a very special guest, Ms. Casey Flax

The "Heroes Tree" is adorned with Gold Stars for the deceased, Silver Stars for those injured, and Blue Stars for those serving this country from Connecticut. It was decorated by World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans. The "Heroes Tree" invocation will be given by Old Sayrook Fire Department Chaplain Geoff Sinibaldo.

The concept behind the "Heroes Tree" comes from artist and Navy Gold Star Mother Kathryn Cross. The "Heroes Tree" is designed to raise awareness during this holiday season toward those who gave their lives or were injured defending this country, and to honor the continuing sacrifices being made since 9/11 by the men and women in our armed forces.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center was chosen as the location for this memorial display because of its relevance to Kathryn Cross, the "Heroes Tree" original artistic director. Katharine Hepburn's sister Peg was also a Gold Star Mother. She lost her son Tommy in Vietnam in 1968. It therefore seemed the most appropriate location for the special "Heroes Tree," whose display is visible to all who travel along Old Saybrook's busy Main Street during this holiday season.