Community decorates 'Fallen Hero Tree' in remembrance

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)- Honoring those who have served our country this holiday season, America's Gold Star families have created ornaments representing fallen heroes who died while on active duty to hang on their "Fallen Heroes Trees of Honor."

These trees are on display at the Decatur Civic Center, Peoria Riverfront Museum, and the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington. They feature more than 400 hero ornaments representing all branches of service.

"It's all about like I said, remembering those. And helping the families to come together and when families come together they talk...They take and they heal," said Darin Funk, President of Board of Directors of Gold Star Families.

The community can view each fallen hero tree throughout the holiday season.

Each year, the organization adds new ornaments to bring hope to the families of loved ones during the holidays.