Request for Tree of Lights Moves to Washington City Council

To help recognize local war veterans during the holiday season, Franklin County Honor Flight requested the use of a large tree at Highway 100 and International Avenue.

The request was discussed Thursday night by the Washington Park Board.

Franklin County Honor Flight, which transports without charge veterans to Washington, D.C., to view the war memorials, would use the tree as a fundraiser. The tree will be lit with a Christmas light for each $5 or more donation received.

The estimated cost per veteran to make the honor flight trip is about $500.

The tree lighting ceremony is proposed to take place Monday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m., with the tree to remain lit until the first Saturday of 2013.

The goal of the project is to raise $12,000 — approximately the cost of one trip, excluding guardian costs. Guardians pay their own fees for the trip.

In a letter to Darren Dunkle, parks director, James Tayon, president of Franklin County Honor Flight, said the organization will be responsible for obtaining a sponsor to purchase the lights and a licensed electrical contractor to connect the tree to power. Honor Flight also will promote and advertise the fundraiser.

Since most Franklin County World War II veterans have made the trip, Honor Flight is starting to take Korean War veterans to the memorial, Bob Kloeppel noted, during the meeting.

The request was forwarded to the Washington City Council for approval.