Santa Clarita active service members were honored at the annual Military Honor Christmas Tree Lighting in the Veterans Historical Plaza Saturday evening.

A Christmas Tree in the heart of Old Town Newhall was adorned with laminated photos of military service members to honor those who served, actively serving or have lost their life serving the United States.

“This is one of our most special events that’s heartfelt and entirely from the community,” said Suzon Gerstel, the president of Prayer Angels for the Military. “We have a lot of people in this community who have served or lost their lives in service, and we want to honor them at Christmas time.”

Fritz Coleman, an NBC Weatherman and Navy veteran, hosted the event.

Related: The 12th Annual Military Christmas Tree Lighting To Be Held At Veterans Historical Plaza In Newhall

Local leaders and members of the Santa Clarita community discussed the importance of remembrance and gratitude, especially because soldiers are often away from home during the holidays.

Mayor Pro Tem, Maureen Weste addressed the audience and thanked them for supporting the event for military service members.

“I don’t think there’s anything more important than recognizing the needs of the families of the Veterans especially during the holidays,” said Weste, “There’s really nothing as important as home I think this reflects our love of our country and home.  

Various performing arts groups took the stage, entertaining the crowd with Christmas songs, carolers, prayers, and a  choreographed holiday performance.

Following various speeches and performances, a live rendition of “Silent Night” took place, during the tree lighting.

In addition to the tree lighting and performances, event organizers took the opportunity to collect donations for care packages they will send to troops overseas.

“A lot of (the soldiers) are young, like teenagers, so they like snacks,” Gerstel said. “We give them things they need as well, like toiletries and toilet paper. Right now, because it’s Winter, we’re having a lot of blankets, scarves, gloves and beanies, because it’s snowing in Afghanistan and they will need that stuff.”

Prayer Angels For The Military sends Christmas packages, Hanukkah packages, or anything that would help someone serving overseas during the holidays to help soldiers bring in the season while they’re away from family, according to Grestel.

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