Battery Park Photo by Anne E Trahan Photography in Bay City, MI 48706

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VETS TREE LIGHTING: Ceremony in Battery Park to Help Kick Off Season

November 16, 2016
By: Dave Rogers

In honor of the nation's military personnel serving around the world, the Bay Veterans Foundation is coordinating its first Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the corner of Center Avenue and Jefferson in the northeast quadrant of Battery Park, adjacent to the Bay County Building.

Dr. Tim Eckstein, the secretary of the Bay Veterans Foundation, will emcee the event which will feature group singing of carols led by Patty Murray of the Sweet Adelines and lighting of a 16 feet Blue Spruce donated by Mr. Vern Kuch. Several speakers will offer remarks.

Eckstein stated, "the Foundation is grateful to AT&T for sponsoring the lighting ceremony". American Legion Post 18 will provide cookies and hot chocolate for attendees, served from the kiosk.

Battery Park has been renovated through the leadership of the veterans foundation and in partnership with the City of Bay, the County of Bay, and the Bay County Library System. Eckstein added, "the renovation project is 90 percent complete with donor plaques still to be installed. The major elements -- cannon, kiosk, benches and landscaping are in place."

The main purpose of the Tree is to provide a visual reminder of all servicemen and women serving across the nation and around the world. The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving and through the major holidays in December and January, is often the loneliest time for troops apart from family, loved ones and their communities.

Financial donations to support expenses of the lighting ceremony may be made to Bay Veterans Foundation -Lights, P.O. Box 1513, Bay City, MI 48706. Information on the program may be obtained from Eckstein at 1-616-822-9498.

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