7th Annual 'Heroes Tree' Lighting to Honor CT Veterans in Old Saybrook

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. - Nov. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- State and local dignitaries, along with local veterans, shoreline neighbors, The American Legion, VFW, the Westbrook Elks, the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line and Honor Guards, will gather Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 for the seventh annual lighting of the Town and State's first official “Heroes Tree” in the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook.

Connecticut native, Eric Parker, WFSB Eyewitness News morning co-anchor, will be master of ceremonies and will be joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Stonington First Selectman 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, Michelle DellaFave, who was part of the "Golddiggers" singing-and-dancing troupe on the Dean Martin Show & the Bob Hope Christmas Tour.

The "Heroes Tree" is adorned with Gold Stars for the deceased, Silver Stars for those injured, and Blue Stars for those currently serving this country from Connecticut. It was decorated by World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans. The "Heroes Tree" Invocation will be given by Chaplain Captain Jane Viera, U.S. Navy, Retired.

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.

A special thank you to Home Depot for their generous donation of a brand new 10 foot 'Heroes Tree'.