Bill Bilbrey’s granddaughter, Angel, lit the first Tree of Angels held by the 33rd judicial district on the west lawn of the Llano County Courthouse in 1998. She has attended every year since.

As families gather over the holidays to give thanks to the blessings surrounding them and celebrate the spirit of the season they will revel in the warmth and laughter of their friends and family. Others will feel only the marked presence of a lost loved one. One who was snatched away so suddenly, it will keep them reeling for years. The holidays to these families bring only an empty place at the table, the Tree and the heart. The loss of a friend or family member to violent crime becomes all too apparent and only memories of the past and the shadow of loss come forth.

This year, the small city of Marble Falls felt the crushing impact and witnessed the domino effect that violence brings when it made national news on August 24th. A lone gunman murdered one of our own, Mike Allred, four people in Jonestown and 1 in Pennsylvania. Not only do the immediate families and friends of these people suffer from this 4-day rampage, but the cities, counties and the nation as a whole. And of course there are others, for a violent crime is committed every 3 seconds. Lives forever changed by a senseless act of violence.

For these victims, survivors, families and communities each year comes the lighting of “The Tree of Angels”. A reverent forum for the community to join together to remember, include and support victims of violent crime who are a part of our lives and communities. Above all, the Tree of Angels is an expression of the realization of love and compassion. Since its inception, the Tree of Angels has become a memorable tradition observed throughout Texas communities. Sixteen years later, it is a ceremony celebrated worldwide. Under this forum and tradition, these victims and families bring an “Angel” ornament, to place on this special tree in honor of their loved one. A Tree they may return to and visit throughout the holiday season.

This year, following the ceremony,

Officers from both Burnet County Sheriff’s Department and Marble Falls Police Department volunteer to serve as “Guardian’s of the Tree”.

Marble Falls will accept the “Tree of Angels”, “Reposed” in the lobby of City Hall. The “Tree of Angels ” will remain lighted through New Year’s Day in honor and remembrance of the victims, survivors and their families.

Governor Rick Perry has issued a statewide Proclamation designating the week of December 3rd-9th, 2007 as Tree of Angels Week in Texas. For the 10th year, elected officials of the 4 county region of Llano, Blanco, San Saba and Burnet will come together designating by Proclamation, December 8th, 2007 “TREE OF ANGELS DAY” to “Honor and Remember” the Victims and Survivors of violent crime. It is the love of the communities that make this night happen for the victims, the survivors and their families.

December 8th, 2007 celebrates the 10th Anniversary for this 4 county region. It was in 1998 the first Tree of Angels for the 33rd Judicial District was held on the west lawn of the Llano County Courthouse, Bill Bilbrey’s granddaughter, Angel Dyer, then just 5 years old, lit the tree in memory of her mother, Leslie Wynette Bilbrey Dyer, mortally wounded in an act of domestic violence when Angel was just 3 months old. “It is a comfort to me and my family, that the Tree of Angels exists here for those of us who live with the loss of our loved one. Decorating a Christmas tree is a family affair.” Bilbrey said “ this is our 10th year and we who have been victims are a family . . . we come together and share, it is our tradition . . . ”

In 1982, the statewide organization of People Against Violent Crime (PAVC) was formed in memory of all who suffered as victims of violent crimes. This year of 2007 celebrates their 25th Anniversary. PAVC's Mission is to ensure that the rights of crime victims are upheld according to the Texas Crime Victim Bill of Rights and to coordinate with victim service providers, law enforcement agencies and criminal justice agencies to help make certain that adequate resources are available.

Hill Country Survivors of Violent Crime hosts the 10th Anniversary of the Tree of Angels and carries on this tradition for the four county communities. “The Tree of Angels” is opened to all victims, survivors, families and those who have a loved one missing. The executive directors Bill Bilbrey and Cindy Westbrook stated “ We work closely with our elected officials, the DA’s office and others from the community. It is our mission and hope to provide these members of our community with a memorable evening to honor and remember those who have forever had their life changed by violence . . . to continue this tradition and offer them solace . . .We consider this an honor and look forward to this evening. We will have last year’s “Angel” ornaments waiting for their families and encourage new attendees to select and bring their own ornament. However, “Angels” are always available for those who need one. We are also very humbled to have “The Angel Quilt” displayed for this evening. On loan from Burnet County Victim Services. This quilt, designed by the families of the victim’s and survivors of violent crime, depicts the story of many of the Angels. It is aw-inspiring and a must see.”

The Dedication and Lighting of The Tree of Angels will be held at the Burnet Middle School Auditorium at 1401 North Main, in Burnet. Doors open @ 5pm and reception follows ceremony.

If you would like to help defray costs for the ceremony, tax deductible donations are accepted under 501(c3). Please make your check payable to PAVC (in memory of _______________) and mail to: HCSOVC, 901 Ridgeway St. ,Kingsland, TX. 78639

On March 21, 2000, the United States Patent and Trademark Office registered the Tree of Angels . For more information visit www.treeofangels.net