Indiana libraries to host ÔOur Heroes' Tree'
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/07/2008
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Children's authors Marlene Lee and Stephanie Pickup exchanged their books in hopes of finding a way to honor their families' military history and future.
Lee's book, "The Hero in My Pocket," is for children who have been affected by the loss of a service member. Pickup's book, "The Soldier's Tree," is for children who have loved ones deployed during the holidays.
The result of combining the themes from their two books is the "Our Heroes' Tree" program. Libraries across the country will be holding "Our Heroes' Tree" workshops to honor veterans and their service to our country.
In Indiana, more than 125 libraries will be displaying trees throughout November. The trees will be decorated by community members to honor U.S. veterans.
Lee said "Our Heroes' Tree" events have been held all over the country and world.
"It was done in Germany by the Army's First Armored Division when they were deployed," she said. "They had around 2,000 ornaments."
Pickup said, "It is a great way for civilian communities to connect with their fellow citizens who serve or have served."
She said she has seen ornaments ranging from glittery plates to framed poetry to hand-blown glass ornaments. In previous years Girl Scouts, children from elementary schools, church groups, individual families and many others have contributed ornaments to the trees.
"The unique expressions of patriotism are, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of this program," Pickup said.