Christmas tree in Peoria pays tribute to fallen soldiers

PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - A holiday tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice is now on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

America's Gold Star families put up their 14-foot tall Fallen Heroes Tree of Honor. The tree has ornaments that honor soldiers who died while serving on active duty. Each one has the name, rank, branch, and home state of the fallen soldier.

Saturday, Gold Star families honored their loved ones by decorating the tree.

"As we place the ornaments on the tree, our community has a whole entire month-and-a-half to come and look at the fallen hero tree and remember all those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms," said Darin Funk, who is president of the organization's board of directors.

America's Gold Star Families wants to provide an opportunity for remembrance during the holiday season, since losses are often felt deeply during this time.

The Fallen Hero Tree will stay up through the end of the year.

There are also Trees of Honor at Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington and at the Decatur Civic Center.