Remembrance Tree returns to in-person format

The annual Remembrance Tree Ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. at EKU’s Perkins Building, 4436 Kit Carson Drive in Richmond.

The event is a long-standing tradition for the community, bringing hundreds together on the first Sunday in December for three decades.

The Remembrance Tree Ceremony gives the community a chance to remember loved ones during the holiday season by placing a personalized memorial ornament on a Remembrance Tree.

“Holidays can be hard for people who’ve lost loved ones, even when those losses aren’t recent,” said Abby Embry, grief support coordinator at Hospice Care Plus. “At a time of year when their absence is felt so strongly, the Remembrance Tree Ceremony is a way to acknowledge that absence and honor their loved one’s memory.”

After an opening reflection and holiday music performed by local musicians, the ceremony continues with the reading of memorial names. Guests place their memorial ornament on a Remembrance Tree when they hear their loved one’s name. If the person who requested the memorial ornament is unable to attend, a Hospice Care Plus staff member will place it on the tree for them.

This year’s event will feature Berea’s much-loved Union Church Handbell Ensemble, a memorial photo slideshow (optional) and light refreshments after the ceremony.

Anyone who misses a loved one during the holidays is welcome to participate. There is no fee for ornaments, but a donation--of any size--is encouraged. To learn more, request an ornament, or submit a photograph, visit hospicecareplus.org or the Hospice Care Plus Facebook event page. For questions, contact Hospice Care Plus at (859) 986-1500 or hospice@hospicecp.org.

Hospice Care Plus is a non-profit organization supporting the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative and grief support care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay

To learn more, donate, or explore career and volunteer opportunities, visit hospicecareplus.org or call (859) 986-1500.