WilCo 2020 'Tree Of Angels' Ceremony To Be Virtual

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — There are some who believe angels are all around us. That sentiment will be manifested this year with a remote version of the county's annual "Tree of Angels" ceremony observed to remember families whose lives have been forever touched by violent crime.

The coronavirus scourge has limited social outings this year, and the 8th annual ceremony is not immune to the continued need for physical distancing to deter illness spread. Typically, residents gather outside the historic courthouse in Georgetown, Texas, to hang a tailored ornament on a special tree honoring those touched by violent crime.

This year's version of the ceremony will be decidedly different tangibly, but unaltered in its spirit and meaning. "This year, the District Attorney’s Office will not be hosting a public ceremony amid COVID-19 precautions," officials wrote in an advisory. "However, we still want our crime victims to know that they are not forgotten."

Related story: WilCo Schedules 7th Annual Tree of Angels Ceremony

To that end, the DA's office will be sending each family an ornament to hang on their tree at home. "We invite the public to also take time during the holidays to remember and honor families of victims and survivors of violent crime," officials wrote. "Please support them with a remembrance of your own at your home or through a donation to a local non-profit organization."

Families and survivors of violent crime have been sent an invitation containing an "angel" for placement at home. "By placing this angel in your home, you will be a part of the remembrance we all share in the lives of all victims and survivors that have been touched by violent crime," officials wrote.

The invitation for in-home ceremonies can be seen below:

County officials sent participants angels for their trees: