The Buchanan Volunteer Fire & EMS Department held a tree-lighting ceremony for the 2021 Fallen Heroes Tree at the station Sunday night.
This year’s tree honors fallen firefighters, emergency rescue workers, police canines, and members of the United States military who were killed in action.
Buchanan Volunteer Firefighter Bill Price first organized the tree in 2016.
“The first year without loved ones is hard,” Price said at the tree-lighting ceremony. “I want to make sure their relatives and loved ones know that we’re thinking about those who lost their lives (in service to their respective communities and the country).”
This year’s tree consists of 20 stars representing the military (two from Virginia), 65 firefighters (one from Virginia), 147 police officers (two from Virginia), 21 police canines (one from Virginia), and 22 firefighters and police officers who passed away due to cancer from the 9-11 rescue efforts.
Mike Morrow constructed the protective framing around the tree, located outside of the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department on Main Street.
This Saturday, Price invites community members to join him in placing Christmas wreaths on the gravestones of fallen heroes at Fairview Cemetery in Buchanan.
For more information about Price’s Sirens and Salutes initiative that holds the 9-11 and Memorial Day events in Buchanan, visit the Sirens and Salutes Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Sirensandsalutes.
