Grieving Greenbrier Valley Community Members gathered for the annual Greenbrier Valley Candlelight Vigil, seeking to honor their lost loved ones.
Held at the Greenbrier Valley Angel Tree in Greenbrier Valley Airport, the ceremony honors friends and family that have passed away.
“The Greenbrier Valley Airport has been amazing and very supportive of the Angel Tree,” Honaker said. “I was given a beautiful spot to sit up this year’s tree and once up, the lights remained on 24/7 at no cost to us. Not one penny is asked for or accepted at the Angel Tree, but somehow, after each year, I feel like a millionaire. A big thank you sent out to Brother Joey Terry who did an awesome job last night. … “This was probably the most emotional service we have had in 11 years.”
On December 27, the small community gathered, and Honaker took the podium.
“It’s been 11 years since we’ve been doing this tree,” Honaker said to those in attendance. “I’m not sure if this is the most there’s ever been on it, but it’s pretty full. We’ve got some that have been on there since day one, 11 years. We’ve got one young man whose family has never missed a tree or a candlelight vigil. We appreciate it so much.”
Pastor Joey Terry gave a sermon and offered kind words for those the community lost.
“Losing someone is quite hard,” said Terry. “I know of three families this week that lost someone the day after Christmas. We’re not here to make you sad, we’re here to say something that will help you and give you a little peace. … There is nothing that we go through, and nothing that we will go through, that Jesus didn’t experience first. I’m glad tonight that we have a God that cares about everything we go through.”
Honaker noted two common faces to the vigil, Pastors Kenneth Baker and Lewis Baker, were unable to attend due to health issues.
Each ornament has been placed by someone remembering their lost loved one.
“We already know there are over 300 hundred ornaments on [the tree],” Honaker said. “Could be close to 400. … The Angels on The Greenbrier County Angel Tree 2021 would have been proud.”
Honaker hopes the ceremony offered a feeling of support for those still grieving.
“It was a beautiful service, with good attendance, lots of tears and hugs,” Honaker said. “I had a request from a parent to play “Jealous of The Angels,” that one was hard to listen to. Then, right before the candle lighting, “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy was played.”
Honaker speaks during the vigil. |
Author’s Note – I’ve known Roger for several years now, speaking with him on the Angel Tree and through him fundraising and coordinating a safe place for people displaced by disasters and health issues. I wanted to note that after getting treatment for a medical issue, he asked the community for help with the “over $40,000 in medical debt.” Those wishing to help should reach out to Honaker and his daughter at nascarhobo@yahoo.com.
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