For many of us, holidays are the time we miss our loved ones the most. One way to remember or honor a loved one is to light a Christmas light in their memory. When the light is a part of a beautiful glowing Christmas tree which is lit in the community of others (also remembering their loved ones) it is a wonderful gift to our loved one and helps us with the grief we may be experiencing. When the light is lit for a cause such as helping a hospice or veteran’s health, the gift is especially meaningful.
An opportunity locally to remember a deceased or living loved one is available through purchasing a light on the Holy Family Memorial Love Light Tree. This year, the tree will be located in the beautiful atrium at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center. The Love Light Tree will shine brightly in the hospital atrium throughout the holiday season and will often be surrounded by the singing of local choirs. Lights can be purchased for as little as $10 each.
Lighting of the tree will take place during the HFM Love Light Tree Celebration on Friday, December 7, at 6 p.m. in the atrium at the HFM Medical Center, 2300 Western Avenue, Manitowoc. This celebration is free and open to the public. It will include a short program to honor veterans and those currently in service to their country, the tree lighting, live music, and holiday treats.
The annual holiday tradition of lighting the tree started on December 7, 1986, when the Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary lit the first Love Light Tree to honor our nation’s veterans. Mary Manis, who coordinated the lighting of the first tree 32 years ago, is still proudly involved in the event and will be present for the celebration. Through the years, the celebration evolved to honor loved ones who are living and have passed. HFM is proud to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by continuing the 32-year tradition of hosting the HFM Love Light Tree Celebration on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
A live broadcast of the HFM Love Light Tree Celebration will also be aired on WCUB 980 AM.
To purchase a light, visit HFM Love Light or call (920) 320-4283 for more information. All proceeds benefit the HFM Hospice Department, veterans’ health and the HFM Providence Fund.