ESTEVAN — Tina Bird's Tree of Remembrance was completed by Nov. 1 – just in time to pay tribute to her family members who have served, as well as other veterans.
Bird said she's been doing seasonal trees for several years ahead of Remembrance Day.
"It is a tradition I started," Bird said. "I receive several comments on how people look forward to some seasonal trees throughout the year."
To date, she has done a traditional Christmas tree, as well as ones for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, spring, summer, Canada Day, Canadian Police Week, Thanksgiving and Halloween, and the Tree of Remembrance. Early November is the time of the latest one.
"The Tree of Remembrance is one of the ways I honour those who bravely served for the rights and freedoms we have today. The pictures on the tree are of my grandfather and several close friends' family members who served as well. I also have pictures of the Estevan cenotaph, Soldiers' Tree and Vimy memorial, the In Flanders Fields poem. Poppies are made from bottoms of pop bottles on the tree," Bird shared.
"I have done a Tree of Remembrance in previous years. Each year I have added pictures of family and friends' family that have served our country and others."
Once the time for each tree is finished, she takes the decorations down, carefully packs them until the next year, and then gets ready for the next upcoming festive season.
Bird's seasonal trees caught some interest from other people, and she said she's been gladly providing support to others in starting the tradition.
"I have offered to assist others and I am willing to help anyone who would like to start the tradition," Bird said. "It is a great way to brighten people's day. I love doing it and I encourage others to get creative and give it a try."
