The City of Elyria, in partnership with the Elyria Council of Veterans (ECV), is proud to announce the return of its Veteran Trees for the fourth consecutive year. This annual tradition honors the brave men and women of Elyria who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Residents are invited to submit photos of themselves or their loved ones who have served. Each submission will be transformed into a personalized veteran ornament featuring the veteran’s name, photo, and branch of service. These ornaments will adorn two Veteran Trees displayed in the lobby of Elyria City Hall throughout the month of December.
This program is offered free of charge. Photos will be accepted now through Friday, December 12. Veterans from any era, as well as active-duty service members, are eligible. The veteran should have a connection to Elyria; however, they do not need to have lived in the city—your connection to Elyria counts.
“Honoring Elyria’s veterans is one of the most meaningful things we do as a community,” said Elyria Mayor Kevin A. Brubaker. “These trees are a simple but powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice our fellow Elyrians have made for us all. I’m grateful to the Council of Veterans for joining us once again to continue this tradition.”
Elyria Council of Veterans Commander Childers added, “We are pleased to continue offering this recognition to our men and women. The Veteran Trees serve as a visual tribute to Elyria’s service members—past and present—highlighting the city’s deep respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.”
To have an ornament made, residents must email the following: a photo of the veteran, the veteran’s name (as it should appear on the ornament) and the veteran’s branch of service (list all branches if applicable)
Submissions must be emailed to ECV.Veteran.Trees@gmail.com no later than Friday, December 12.
The ornaments will remain part of the display each year moving forward—families do not need to resubmit if they have submitted in the past.
