District Attorney set to host remembrance ceremony
The Williamson County District Attorney's Office invites residents to the county courthouse for the 11th Annual Tree of Angels at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 5.
According to the press release from the DA, the ceremony allows the community to remember families whose lives have been affected by violent crime. Families and friends of victims and survivors of a violent crime are invited to bring an angel ornament to place on the special tree.
Many of the ornaments include names and pictures of those to be remembered.
“It's both a very somber occasion and a very hopeful occasion,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook said during the November 21 Commissioners Court meeting. “It just really strikes your heart.”
Law enforcement and victim service agencies from the state, county and local levels are scheduled to be in appearance.
Originating in Austin in 1991, Tree of Angels began as a ceremony to acknowledge that holidays can be a hard time for victims of violent crimes and their families. The ceremony helps honor the victims by placing an angel on a Christmas tree.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court will recognize December 5 as Tree of Angels Day this year. Commissioners approved the recognition during a meeting on Tuesday, November 21.
“Williamson County citizens recognize the important work of all who commit themselves to assist crime victims and their loved ones with traditions like the Tree of Angels, that reflect the kind and compassionate spirit of the holiday season and encourage us all to play a role in building a safer, more just community,” according to the proclamation.
In 2022, Governor Greg Abbott signed a proclamation marking December 4-10 as Tree of Angeles Week for the state. The recognition is held in 31 counties across Texas. Now, the recognition is held internationally in Newcastle, Australia, according to the organization’s website.
Texas The general public and news media are welcome to be a part of the evening’s event. For more information, contact the District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services at 512-943-1234.