Tree of Angels shines on

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

This year's Tree of Angels event Saturday, Dec. 6, marks the 17th anniversary of the program in the 33rd and 424th judicial districts. 

Tree of Angels is now a worldwide tradition that gives families of victims of violence “love, compassion and support,” said co-executive director Cindy Westbrook.

For victims, survivors, families and communities the dedication and lighting ceremony is a time to honor their loved one by placing an Angel ornament on the tree. People then return and visit the tree during the holiday season.

After the ceremony, the Tree of Angels will be left on display in the foyer of Marble Falls City Hall.  

Westbrook’s husband, co-executive director Bill Bilbrey, said the purpose of the event is not to provide closure. “I disagree with that word, there’s no such thing as closure,” he said. Bilbrey’s daughter was shot and killed by her husband 21 years ago. His granddaughter, a toddler at the time, was the first to light the tree in Llano in 1998, the year the tradition began.

Closure implies “shutting the door behind you and forgetting what’s there,” Bilbrey said. “Acceptance, on the other hand, is turning everything over to God and remembering your loved ones.”

The program begins at 5 p.m. but doors open at 4 p.m. to accept photos for the Tree Skirt and blocks for the Angel Quilt, as well as allowing people time to tag ornaments.

Bilbrey said to either bring photos in a frame, or let him know ahead of time what size frame to bring.

The regional Tree of Angels started with Sam Oatman, then the 33rd district judge, who gathered with a small group of victim’s families on the lawn of the Llano County Courthouse.

In October, Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed Dec. 1-7 “Tree of Angels Week” because of its role as a “restorative and educational tradition” for families affected by violent crime.

This year’s event, held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, is presented by the Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime, Inc., Mothers Against Drunk Driving and People Against Violent Crime.

U.S. Marshal Hector Gomez of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force will be the honorary speaker. Gomez’s team captured Llano murderer Paul Devoe in 2007.

Cornerstone Baptist Church is located at 408 North Avenue R, Marble Falls.

For more information, contact Cindy Westbrook or Bill Bilbrey at 325-388-4720.