The Town of Hempstead held its annual lighting ceremony last Tuesday at Hempstead Town Hall Plaza. Town Supervisor Kate Murray and town officials were joined by Santa Claus at the ceremony, which included the lighting of the Christmas Tree, Kwanzaa Kinara and Hanukkah Menorah. This year, the supervisor had the assistance of Levittown resident Hedy Navarro and her son Justin in the lighting of the holiday symbols. Hedy's husband and Justin's father, Rick Navarro, is a sergeant in the US Army Military Brigade who is serving in Iraq and will not be home to celebrate the holidays with his family.

This year, Murray dedicated the tree as a "Tree of Remembrance" in honor of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and those troops still overseas. The tree was adorned with the sand dollars that had been a part of the town's September 11 memorial service at Point Lookout.

"Earlier this year, the town held a 9-11 memorial service at Point Lookout Town Beach. In concert with a replica sand sculpture of the Twin Towers, residents were invited to write a message of reflection on sand dollars to 9-11 victims or to the brave members of our armed forces who continue to defend our nation against terrorist regimes. These sand dollars were a moving part of the town's memorial service," Murray said. "I was asked what we would be doing with the sand dollars after the September 11 ceremony. At the same time, I recalled the surviving spouse of a 9-11 victim telling of how lonely the holidays were without her husband. With this in mind, I felt it uniquely appropriate to create a 'Tree of Remembrance demonstrating our support for those who have lost loved ones on 9-11 and residents who have family members serving overseas."

Saying that overseas troops are risking their lives every day and have left their families in order to ensure that the country is never attacked again the way it was on September 11, 2001, Murray noted that Justin, who will not have his father with him this holiday season, is representing all the families who have loved ones overseas.

The supervisor noted that the holiday season is a time to reflect on blessings, think about family and embrace the holiday spirit.

"One of the most inspiring manifestations of holiday spirit is evidenced through making the holiday season more enjoyable for those who are less fortunate. I have been personally inspired by the efforts of our town residents and our employees," Murray said. She noted that she had recently visited the Interfaith Nutrition Network and was moved as Jean Kelly and her staff gave away hundreds of turkeys to families in need. The supervisor added that at Hempstead Town Hall, the Civil Service Employees Association and its president, Bill Flanagan, is again running a Holiday Angel Tree Toy Drive with town employees.

"This program collects new Christmas toys which are turned over to the Salvation Army for distribution to needy children," Murray explained. "Since the involvement of CSEA and town employees in this endeavor, thousands of toys have been collected."

Murray added that last year, over 800 toys were collected. There is a table located at town hall by the pavilion entrance for those who wish to contribute. Also at the ceremony, the town, working in conjunction with the March of Dimes to raise money in the fight against birth defects, sold holiday Beanie Baby dolls in support of the birth of more healthy babies.

"While Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are occasions marked by celebration, I think that it is appropriate to reflect on the hardships of people who are struggling in the face of adversity," the supervisor said. "Just as we are working to collect gifts for disadvantaged children and collecting donations to encourage the birth of healthy babies, I believe that we should show support and provide comfort for some people who continue to suffer greatly."

The ceremony included musical entertainment performed by the Jackson Street Elementary School chorus and its director, Kevin Winther. A special visit was also made by none other than Santa Claus, who arrived in style on an antique fire truck, courtesy of the Hempstead Fire Department. Santa delivered candy to children who were in attendance. Following the event, the supervisor invited residents to enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies.

"This was a meaningful way to remember those we have lost and those who are not able to spend the holidays with us and to also celebrate the upcoming holiday season," Murray concluded .