Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults invited the community to A Season of Remembrance on Dec. 4 at the Arboretum of the Hamilton Country/Chattanooga Courts Building. The courthouse is located at 600 Market Street with the public entrance on the Cherry Street side of the building.
A Season of Remembrance is a time to remember friends and loved ones whose lives have been disrupted by violent crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and homicide.
To showcase the Season of Remembrance Christmas tree, Mayor Coppinger and the Partnership asked people to bring an ornament to hang on the tree in the center of the Atrium. Friends and loved ones also brought their own ornaments in memory of those who have passed because of violent crime or to honor of survivors.
“This time of year can be joyous for some, but for others it brings sadness and memories of loved ones that have been lost or victimized by violent crime. This is an opportunity to remember those we love whose lives have been forever changed by violence,” said Regina McDevitt, senior director of the Partnership. “This ceremony not only brings attention to the prevalence and severity of these crimes, but also calls for everyone in our communities to stop the violence.”
The tree will remain at the Courts building during the holiday season. After the holiday season, the ornaments will be displayed at Partnership’s Crisis Resource Center.
Source: The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults
For more photos, pick up a copy of the Hamilton County Herald.