December Tree Lighting to Honor Kendall County Veterans

One tree gracing the lawn outside the Kendall County Health and Human Services Building in Yorkville is more than just another piece of landscaping.

The evergreen is also a living memorial honoring the men and women from Kendall County who have served and continue to serve the country.

The tree, donated by Russ & Dee's Christmas Tree Farm in Newark, was planted in 2007 at the request of retired Vietnam War veteran Ed Dixon, the superintendent of the .

“It’s something I thought needed to be done,” he said. “There are a lot of stone memorials and plaques, but this is something living. We should keep the memory alive of all of those who are serving and who served.”

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Kendall County is located on the second floor of the Health and Human Services Building.

Each year, the VACKC holds an annual “Troop Tree” lighting and decorating ceremony.

This year’s festivities will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, outside the Health and Human Services Building at 811 W. John St., in Yorkville.

Following the lighting of the tree, Kendall County residents are encouraged to decorate the tree with an ornament of the family’s choosing, Dixon said.

“We also provide yellow ribbons if people want to come and write their loved ones’ name on it and tie it on the tree,” he said.

For more information, contact Dixon at (630) 553-8355 or by e-mail at edixon@co.kendall.il.us.