CIRA to host Fallen Heroes Tree of Honor

Posted on November 24, 2017

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Central Illinois Regional Airport will host the Fallen Heroes Tree of Honor this year.

The tree is similar to the one that has been on display at the state capitol in recent years. CIRA spokesperson Fan Strebing said the tree helps people remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the country.

“It’s a wonderful dedication to those who have fallen of our military,” Strebing explained. “It’s sponsored by America’s Gold Star Families and also the Sergeant Anthony Maddox family here in Bloomington-Normal.”

The tree features more 130 handcrafted ornaments of fallen soldiers.

“We’re excited to have it, we’re honored to have it,” Strebing explained. “It was at the Illinois State Capitol last year and we were asked to host it this year – we’re looking forward to that.”

Dedication of the tree will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. State Rep. Dan Brady and State Senator Jason Barickman will be present at the event. Gold Star mother Vonda Rodgers, whose son Sergeant Joshua Rodgers died in Afghanistan earlier this year, will also share her story.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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