Santa Clarita’s 10th Annual Military Honor Christmas Tree Lighting Hosted by Prayer Angels for the Military

The community is invited to a very special, heartwarming ceremony and Christmas tree lighting to honor our Military. This wonderful tradition is held annually, on the first Saturday in December. Please dress warm and join us for this holiday extravaganza. Hot cocoa, coffee and holiday treats are provided as the community comes together to share in the spirit of the season with Christmas songs, caroling, a few words, prayer and the lighting of the spectacular Military Honor Christmas Tree.
On this special 10th anniversary, we are excited to present the singing soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Smith. He joins us from the Army’s 300th Band in Los Angeles, where he is commander/conductor. Plan to be dazzled with performances by the amazing RockNacappellas, a delightful experience of harmony in perfection. These talented kids, ages eight to 18, are directed by our very own Santa Clarita teen singer Lindsay Ryan. The beautiful voice of actress/producer Marilyn Hackett, will grace us once again, singing the moving and traditional classic “I’ll be Home for Christmas” as we light the tree.
We gather, as a close knit community, to celebrate the Christmas season and to show our support and appreciation for our service members and their families. The enchanting 26-foot pine tree, in all its splendor, is decorated with red, white and blue lights, beautiful ornaments, a bright star on top and laminated stars with photos of our military, past and present. Hundreds of Blue Stars adorn the tree, representing service members on active duty. Many are still deployed and far from home during this holiday season. A very special place is reserved in the tree for Gold Stars, sadly representing a local family member that has died in service to our country. The SCV Young Marines, participants for many years, will again be placing a wreath for our fallen heroes. The tree will remain lighted every evening until after the New Year.
Submit a photo of your loved one (active duty, reserves or veteran) for the tree by December 3 to email: PrayerAngelsfortheMilitary@yahoo.com or mail to Prayer Angels for the Military, 21609 Oak Orchard Rd, Newhall, CA 91321. *Wallet-sized photo preferred. Include their name, branch of service, rank and service area or theater, if known, along with your contact information, in uniform or not. No need to re-submit every year. Photos are saved/scanned into a secure file, just in case damaged stars need to be replaced.
The tree lighting event is hosted by Prayer Angels for the Military, with assistance from the SCV Veterans Memorial Committee and the SCV Young Marines. The Arts and Events Department of the City of Santa Clarita and their parks crew have eagerly assisted with this very meaningful event every year since it’s inauguration. Also, extremely proud to sponsor and assist for several years, is Nancy Gump and the employees of the Andy Gump Company. Traditionally supportive of the community and our military, they are very happy to be personally involved with this event.
For more information, please contact Suzon Gerstel at 661-799-8865 or email PrayerAngelsForTheMilitary@yahoo.com.  Tax deductible donations to support the event can be made through PayPal online at: www.PrayerAngelsForTheMilitary.com.