Governor, First Lady Host 2009 "Tennessee Season to Remember"

NASHVILLE – The seventh annual “Tennessee Season to Remember” event will be held at the State Capitol today at 5:30 p.m. CST. Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte will host the holiday memorial event in the Tennessee House Chambers, located on the second floor of the State Capitol.

 

“Andrea and I would like to invite all Tennesseans whose lives have been affected by violent crime to join us once again for this special holiday remembrance to commemorate the lives of the loved ones they have lost,” Bredesen said.

 

“A Season to Remember” was first organized by individuals in Davidson County as a holiday memorial for surviving family members of victims of homicide. As Mayor of Nashville, Bredesen moved the event from the Metro Court House to Centennial Park to accommodate larger crowds. In November 2003, Bredesen and Conte established a statewide “Tennessee Season to Remember,” inviting families from across the state to join them at the Capitol for the event.

 

“This event of remembrance is an opportunity for families to honor their loved ones and join together with others to celebrate the lives of all homicide victims,” Conte said. “The holidays can be a sad reminder of those who cannot be here, and I hope these families draw a sense of peace from the ceremony and find comfort in each other.”

 

As part of the ceremony, the names of victims will be read in remembrance as each family hangs ornaments on memorial wreaths in honor of their loved ones. Ornaments will be provided, or event participants can make and bring their own, to be hung on a memorial wreath that will be displayed in the Capitol throughout the holiday season. NewsChannel5 anchor Vicki Yates will moderate the ceremony and Tom Thurman, Deputy District Attorney for the 20^th Judicial District, will be this year’s guest speaker.

 

Parking will be available in the state parking lots off Charlotte Avenue. There will be shuttles available before and after the service, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service. For those not able to travel, the event will be broadcast live on the Internet. Visit www.TN.gov and click on Season to Remember to watch the live streaming video.

 

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