LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – The holidays are a time to reflect on Christmases past, the years’ blessings, and for some, painful memories of loss. This time of year can be joyful for some and extremely difficult for others as another year passes without their loved ones.
Thirteen years ago, Roger Honaker reached out to the public, offering prayer and comfort for those who wanted to remember their loved ones in a special way. He began hanging an ornament on his Christmas tree for those who contacted him, needing comfort in the wake of loss. The sentiment of a remembrance ornament tree has grown exponentially since and has garnered the attention of an entire community and state.
A Caldwell man, Honaker, loves to give to his fellow man and his community. A retired construction worker and cancer survivor, Roger’s attention was drawn to news stories of three different atrocities just days before Christmas. A baby’s death due to domestic violence, an 18-year-old boy killed in a car accident and another young man who committed suicide. Offering his helping hand to the families, they spoke of wanting a way to remember their loved ones. Roger hung ornaments on his own Christmas tree for them, and soon, the word was out that a remembrance tree was a thing. Twelve years later and several locations later, The Angel Memorial Tree is a time-honored tradition for 100s of families.
A 12-foot remembrance tree is now housed at The Greenbrier Valley Airport. There were 452 ornaments hung in 2022 by family members in Greenbrier County and by airline passengers from every corner of the world. Clear ball ornaments are available next to the tree in the main lobby of the airport, for airline passengers or anyone else who wants to hang an ornament in honor of their loved one, free of charge. Extra ornaments are always available for this purpose, or one could use an ornament of their own. There is also a candlelight service held each year, where families can gather to light candles, mention their loved ones’ names, and perhaps share with others, stories of the heart. The service is held at the GBV Airport lobby in front of The Angel Tree, every Dec. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Meaningful relationships have sprouted over the years for many families, leaning on each other for comfort and a deep understanding. Two couples have had their sons’ names on the tree since the beginning. Pastoral figures Kenneth Baker and Joseph Terry officiate the services.
For anyone wishing to hang an ornament of their own, the tree is displayed each year from Nov. 25 through Jan. 2. The tree is lit 24/7, and there is no cost to families.
