It is our hope that the Tree of Angels allows us to remember, include and support victims of violent crime. These innocent victims of crime are a part of our lives and a part of the community. Reflecting, the members of People Against Violent Crime who were gathered, thought at the time that a momentous tradition was beginning. For an event to become a tradition, it must touch our heart and cause us to want to continually re-experience the effects of the event. The "Tree of Angels" tradition has become part of the victims/families Holiday. Since its beginning, the "Tree of Angels" has grown and now embraces victims and victims' families throughout Texas.

In 1995, following Texas' example, Oklahoma started its own traditional "Tree of Angels" to remember and acknowledge those whose lives have been effected by violent crime, most notably, the Oklahoma City bombing. Verna Lee Carr and Nell Myers, in 1995, presented the Attorney General a crystal ornament in the shape of Texas to be placed on the Oklahoma Tree of Angels from our Lone Star State in memory of all victims of Texas. On December 4, 1997, both Texas and Oklahoma dedicated the "Tree of Angels" on the same evening,

On March 21, 2000, the United States Patent and Trademark Office registered the Tree of Angels. On December 9, 2000, Governor George W. Bush proclaimed December 4th through December 10th as Tree of Angels Week. Governor Frank Keating proclaimed December 8, 2000 as Tree of Angels Day in Oklahoma.

My Angel in A Tree By Jim Gillis (Former Director of People Against Violent Crime) I thought I would never see My angel in a tree The unexpected happened Why did it happen to me? My loved one taken away Oh what a dreadful day Confusion reigned, anger and pain What could anyone say? The days, weeks and months that follow My life, my heart and soul left hollow Anger, depression, a great sense of loss In all of these I did wallow. That I've been robbed is surely forgone Justice cannot bring back my loved one Nothing done or nothing said can fill the void The damage has irrevocably been done. But hope, faith and love does prevail Against all of these I did rail But remembering the good and happy times I must try not to wail. My memories and love are blessed to me These cannot be taken away, you see So every year at Christmas time I'll celebrate with my special "Angel in a Tree".