MADISON COUNTY – “Lighting of the Soldiers Tree” symbolically show appreciation and concern for deployed military members and remembers their families at home during the Christmas season.

Individuals can view the “Lighting of the Soldiers Tree 2021” daily until Jan. 3, 2022 in the Audio Visual Department at the Downtown Huntsville Library, 915 Monroe St. Rosie’s International Services Inc. sponsors commemoration of the Soldiers Tree, now in its ninth year.

“The Lighting of the Soldiers Tree brings honor to all our military soldiers/families and deployed soldiers that are stationed away from home and family. We miss you and wished you were home. Thank you for your service,” Rosie Douglas said. Douglas is President of Rosie’s International Services Inc.

“Rosie’s International Services Inc. and the community would like to thank SFC Manuel Romo and MSG Jose Ramos with the United States Army Space Missile Command – USASMDC for lighting the Soldiers Tree,” Douglas said. These men showed their support in the commemoration on Dec. 18 at Huntsville Public Library.

“I was honored to participate in Lighting of the Soldiers Tree at the Huntsville Public Library during a holiday event hosted by Rosie’s International Services Inc.,” Romo said. “We truly enjoyed sharing a meal while listing to wonderful music.”

“During the holiday season, it’s important to take a moment to recognize the sacrifices that soldiers and their family members make everyday on behalf of our great nation,” Romo said.

“The holiday season is one of the most special times of the year for the U.S. Army, as many of us share our holiday traditions with those close to us,” Romo said. “That could be our neighbors within the community or the fellow service members with us overseas.”

Romo has spent several holiday seasons across the globe. “One of my most cherished memories is Christmas morning in the Middle East. We shared small gifts with each other and enjoyed a traditional Christmas meal,” he said.

“It was an honor to celebrate this most special time with our friends within the local community,” Romo said. “We’re hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday and a wonderful new year!”

The Soldiers Tree’s decorations included handmade and signed greeting cards and ornamental artwork from local schools. The second Lighting of the Soldiers Tree is located at North Huntsville Public Library.

“As a military spouse, the Lighting of the Soldiers Tree is a way to show my love and appreciation in honoring our military soldiers and families, because they risk their lives to protect our country for our freedom,” Douglas said.