A memorable tradition was initiated in 1991 by Verna Lee Carr, a volunteer with People Against Violent Crime (PAVC). It was obvious to Carr and others that the holiday season was especially difficult for victims/victims' families. PAVC wanted to do something very special for these victims, so the organization began the tradition of having a statewide "Tree of Angels" ceremony that would honor all victims by bringing an Angel to be placed on a special Christmas Tree in hope the blessings of the holiday season would comfort them in the warm spirit it represents.

It is our hope that the Tree of Angels allows us to remember, include and support victims of violent crime. These innocent victims of crime are a part of our lives and a part of the community. Reflecting, the members of People Against Violent Crime who were gathered, thought at the time that a momentous tradition was beginning. For an event to become a tradition, it must touch our heart and cause us to want to continually re-experience the effects of the event. The "Tree of Angels" tradition has become part of the victims/families Holiday. Since its beginning, the "Tree of Angels" has grown and now embraces victims and victims' families throughout Texas.

In 1995, following Texas' example, Oklahoma started its own traditional "Tree of Angels" which is now embaced in their State Capitol during the Holiday Season to remember and acknowledge those whose lives have been effected by violent crime, most notably, the Oklahoma City bombing. Verna Lee Carr and Nell Myers, in 1995, presented the Attorney General a crystal ornament in the shape of Texas to be placed on the Oklahoma Tree of Angels from our Lone Star State in memory of all victims of Texas. On Dec. 4, 1997, both Texas and Oklahoma dedicated the "Tree of Angels" on the same evening.

On March 21, 2000, the United States Patent and Trademark Office registered the Tree of Angels. On Dec. 9, 2000, Gov. George W. Bush proclaimed Dec. 4th through Dec. 10 as Tree of Angels Week. Governor Frank Keating proclaimed Dec. 8, 2000 as Tree of Angels Day in Oklahoma.

The Tree of Angels Ceremony has spread to communities throughout the United States and in other countries as well. This is a special Web presentation to place faces with some of those remembered in the ceremonies. This is just a sampling. There are many more victims.