The gazebo in Centennial Park was packed for the fourth annual Tree of Remembrance ceremony on Nov. 23.
The ceremony, organized by the Olds and District Hospice Society (ODHS), is a way for people to pay their respects and show their love for those who have passed on over the past year and in previous years.
"We just appreciate the opportunity to be here to support you," said ODHS vice-president Kathy Kemmere who served as MC for the evening.
"From all of us at the hospice society our thoughts and prayers are with you, especially today and through this season."
Kemmere noted that this year, several of those in the crowd were holding stars made by Olds High School students. The idea was that the stars represent those who have passed on. People were encouraged to place them on the tree, located several yards north of the gazebo.
"I know what a difference it does make to all of us when we have symbols of our loved ones," Kemmere said. "What this is all about is an opportunity to remember.
"I was looking at my calendar today and it's actually a full moon tonight. And although we can't see it, we know it's there. And I was thinking it's kind of like our loved ones. Although we can't see them, we know that they're there."
As part of the ceremony, five candles were lit, symbolizing grief, courage, memory, love and hope.
Members of the crowd gathered around the tree with lighted candles and listened as Pastor John Lentz spoke some words of reflection and Jim and Charlene Schramm of the ODHS played a couple of songs.
"As we gather together, we light a Christmas tree. And maybe it doesn't seem like much, but this tree is lit with hope," Lentz said. "Light is a sign of hope. Where hope may have been lost, light shines and brings hope again.
"May every light on this tree, every star in our sky, every twinkled reflection on every flake of snow remind us of the hope and life that comes from your (light) and touches us in our sadness.
"May these lights remind us of those we have bid farewell to, knowing that they live in a greater light of Christ, now and always.
"May these help us to be light for others so that in the strength that we receive in this hope, we may comfort others in their grief as well.
"Bless this tree, these lights, that they may be symbols for others as well," he added.
The ceremony ended as the crowd sang Silent Night.
