Tree of Life Lights Up for Veterans on Memorial Day

May 30--More than 100 candles were lit in memory of veterans who died in combat or have died since serving in the military during the Veterans Memorial Museum's annual tree of life event on Monday.

Every year on Memorial Day, the museum honors veterans by reading dog tags on a tree at the museum.

The name, rank, branch of service and the years the individual served are read aloud while a single candle is lit for each person.

"We want to read the names because there is an African proverb that says, 'If you speak my name, I will live forever,'' Chip Duncan, executive director of the museum, said. "Of course that fits in a lot with what we do here at the Veterans Memorial Museum, but we take it sometimes a little bit of a step forward to where we say, 'If we tell your story, you will not be forgotten.'"

The reading of the names provides a "brief glimpse" into the lives of those who have served in the armed forces, and also provides a moment to remember their service and sacrifice.

Duncan, who earlier spoke at Claquato Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day, gave a brief history of how the day came to be. Originally known as Declaration Day, the holiday got its start when freed African American slaves buried those who died on the Union side at the end of the Civil War. Once they were buried, they then decorated the graves of the Union soldiers.

"Their freedom has been bought at the price and the blood of these Union veterans, and so we have Memorial Day to remind us that there are men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we do not ever live in bondage ever again," Duncan said.

As the names were read, family members and friends had the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one. If no one stepped forward, Jenny Collins, of Visiting Nurses, lit the small white tea light candle.

Once the names were read, people had the opportunity to light a candle in memory of anyone who was not mentioned during the tree of life event.

Duncan then honored the museum's veterans who died this year.

As he did so, he was reminded of a young man who recently committed suicide.

"That is something that should never be happening," Duncan said, urging those in the audience to let the veterans around them know they are appreciated.

"If we can do one thing and walk away with one thing we can take away the memory of our loved ones, but also take with you a hand in friendship to veterans around you to let them know they are not forgotten; their lives mean something to you," Duncan said. "Don't forget to say you care and to reach out."

The idea of the tree of life event came from Collins, who wanted to honor veterans in a similar way to how Visiting Nurses honors people during Christmas time with their tree of life event, Duncan said.

The tree donned with dog tags is a permanent display at the museum.

"Every year people are able to add names to the tree and as an honor, we read the names," he said.

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