The Remembrance Tree, a Christmas Tree placed in the gazebo at the center of Augusta, is a fundraiser for the Beautify Augusta group in which residents can donate in order to commemorate loved ones with assorted lights.

Lights commemorate loved ones

Remembrance Tree tradition going strong in Augusta

by Bridget Cooke
Editor

The Christmas holiday brings with it traditions held dear by towns across the country, and one specific pastime hosted by Beautify Augusta brings comfort through the presence of a well-known holiday symbol; the Christmas tree.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the first written record of what is now referred to as a Christmas tree was in the year 1510 in Latvia. As the use of evergreens spread and evolved throughout the 15th and 16th centuries in Austria and Germany, the Americas were not introduced to the concept until the 1800s by German immigrants and began selling them commercially in the year 1851.

Even the neighboring community of Black River Falls, Wis., was placed in the history of a tradition when the association began presenting a tree by a Grand Champion grower, in this case the native grower Howard Pierce, to the first lady of the United States with Pierce handing one of his evergreens to  U.S. President Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson in 1966.

Today, instead of candles or apples or even artificial roses as people had in the past, residents of the United States use a colorful, or clear, assortment of lights. Sometimes both, as is the case with the evergreen propped up in the decorated gazebo on Lincoln Street in Augusta.

The Remembrance Tree is a way for residents of the city to pay tribute to people they care about. Some, who have passed on, are commemorated through white lights. Others, still with their loved ones, are honored by the colorful decorations instead.

Carol Peuse, a member of the local group Beautify Augusta, said it is a touching way for people throughout Augusta, as well as herself, to remember those who have touched their lives. 

“I think it’s an important thing, where we stop--as we should all year--but especially during the holidays when we’re thinking about these special people that have been in our lives, whether they’re here or in the past,” Peuse said. “No matter what, they’re always in our hearts.”

Previously, a list of remembrance was printed in the local newspaper as well as an area shopper, but this year, the organization has decided to change things up a bit. Now, if someone would like to see a list of all those remembered through donations, they will be able to see the names posted around local businesses.

A longtime tradition, Peuse said it remembers those in life and those in passing.

“When I’m filling the sheet out, I think about how special a part of their lives they were to me,” she said. “And how much I wish they were here.”

The group collects donations for each remembrance light. Then just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the tree is placed in its designated spot and the gazebo in which it sits is adorned with garland and seasonal decorations. As an organization dedicated to keeping Augusta visually appealing, the organization utilizes the money raised to help keep the community decorative throughout the changing seasons. 

“I think the tree, being right across from the memorial park, I think the two are perfect,” Peuse said. “We look at remembering our loved ones and remembering our service members; the two work together so incredibly well.”

Peuse said though the group may not necessarily hear from individuals about the donations, but are happy to see the donations in exchange for lights because it is important to them. She added that if someone still wanted to donate, they can reach out to Beautify Augusta in order to make their request.

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In September 2013, Cooke was hired as the editor of both the Augusta Area Times and the Tri-County News. She can be reached via ateditor@media-md.net or (715) 597-3313. Follow us on Twitter or check out our Facebook page for more updates!

 
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