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12/01/2021 07:08 AMOn Dec. 4 local leaders and residents alike will be in downtown Old Saybrook to observe the lighting of the annual Heroes Tree that honors military service.
The tree will be lit at 5 p.m. at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Local government leaders as well as local veterans, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Gold Star families, and the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line and Honor Guards are expected to attend.
During the ceremony, there will be a tribute to military members from Connecticut active, deceased, and injured. Michelle Della Fave, who was part of the Golddiggers singing-and-dancing troupe on the Dean Martin Show and the Bob Hope Christmas Tour, will be there to sing God Bless America. The Old Saybrook High School Chorus will also be on hand.
The tree was decorated by World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans. The tree is decorated with Gold Stars for the deceased, Silver Stars for those injured, and Blue Stars for those serving this country from Connecticut.
According to Max Sabrin, the media relations and special events coordinator of the Old Saybrook Fire Department, the event will last about 30 minutes and usually draws quite a crowd. The tree, which was the first Heroes’ Tree in Connecticut, has been lit every year for 12 years except for last year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Sabrin said he thinks that people in town will be excited to see it back.
“It’s a nice gesture, it’s a nice tribute people like and to top it off it looks spectacular,” Sabrin said.
The idea for the tree came from a Gold Star Mother named Kathryn Cross. The event is meant to remind people who are enjoying the holidays with family and friends about he sacrifices military members and their families have made so that others can enjoy the time.
The Kate was chosen as the house for the memorial display because Hepburn had a connection to the cause the tree is designed to cooperate. Katharine Hepburn’s sister Peg was also a Gold Star Mother who lost her son Tommy in Vietnam in 1968 according to a press release of the event.
“It’s a very moving tribute that’s greatly appreciated by the veterans in town and people who just visit the town,” said Sabrin.
The lighting of the tree will be the cherry on top for what should be a full day in downtown Old Saybrook. During the day, downtown Old Saybrook will play host to The Starlight Festival, a new event that begins at 9 a.m. and will run until dark. The day includes story time at the Acton Library, a 5K, an ornament decorating workshop, a giving tree for families in need, a chance to meet Santa on the green, and the lighting of the Heroes’ Tree and the Starlight Fundraiser.