The 2017 Tree of Honor and Remembrance Ceremony is just around the corner, and you’re invited to attend. Join us as we gather to honor and remember those whose lives have been effected by violent crimes. The tradition began in 1995 and has grown to embrace crime victims, survivors, advocates, families and friends throughout Oklahoma.

If you wish, please bring a small non-breakable ornament to hang on the tree in honor or support of a crime victim. Ornaments may also be mailed for placement on tree. Please include the name of honoree and date of crime/or date of death. Please mail or deliver ornaments to us before November 22nd.

Send Ornaments to:

District Attorneys Council
Victim Services Division
421 N.W. 13th Street, Suite 290
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

This memorable tradition began in Texas by a victim advocate. Vena Lee Carr, State Director of People Against Violent Crime (PAVC), was working as a volunteer when it became obvious to her that the holiday season was especially difficult for victims, survivors and their families.

PAVC wanted to do something very special for victims, survivors and their families to assist them through the holiday season. So PAVC began the tradition of having a statewide “Tree of Angels” ceremony. The ceremony offered victims the opportunity to bring their angel ornaments to be placed on a special Christmas tree in the hope that the blessings of the holiday season would comfort them in the warm spirit it represents.

In 1995, following Texas’ example, Oklahoma started its own tradition — The Tree of Honor and Remembrance — to remember and acknowledge those whose lives have been effected by violent crime. This very special holiday display has been adorned with ornaments provided by crime victims, survivors and their families from around the state. These trees are dedicated to all violent crime victims, survivors, advocates and supporters no matter the circumstances.

It is our hope that the Tree of Honor and Remembrance allows us to remember, include and support victims of violent crime. These innocent victims of crime are a part of our lives and a part of the community.

The Tree of Honor and Remembrance tradition has become an inherent part of the victims and survivors holiday.

Since its beginning in 1995, one tree of honor has grown into several trees and over 1,400 ornaments. This holiday tradition now embraces crime victims, survivors, advocates, families and friends throughout Oklahoma.