2024 Remembrance Tree Ceremony

Quick Facts:

When: Sunday, December 8, 2 PM

Where: First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475

Why: Whether your loss was recent or not, the holidays are a time when those we’ve lost are especially missed.

Who: All are welcome to participate, regardless of whether we cared for your loved one.

What does the ceremony involve? The Remembrance Tree memorial ceremony includes the reading of memorial names, placing of memorial ornaments on the Remembrance Tree as names are read, a memorial slideshow, special music, selected readings, and a light reception.

How do I participate?

Request your ornament(s) by December 6 to have your loved one’s name read in alphabetical order during the ceremony. If you request your ornament after December 6, your loved one’s name will still be read aloud, but it will come at the end of the reading of names.

Optional Memorial Slideshow: Deadline December 5. To include a picture of your loved one in the slideshow, please submit a digital copy of the picture, along with their full name, to development@hospicecp.org no later than Dec. 5.

Claim your memorial ornament(s) after the ceremony.  You will find directions, dates, and times on our secure Remembrance Tree site

For decades, the Remembrance Tree Ceremony has been a chance for the community to remember loved ones during the holiday season.

The Remembrance Tree Ceremony is set for Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, in Richmond (behind Wendy’s).

The ceremony will include special readings, live music performed by local musicians, a memorial photo slideshow, and the reading of your loved ones’ names.

Anyone who misses a loved one during the holidays is welcome to participate, regardless of whether your loved one was cared for by our hospice.

“At this time of year when loved ones gather in gratitude and loving kinship, the loss of those dear to us can be even more pronounced,” said Denise McKinney, grief support coordinator. “Coming together in remembrance with others who understand is a balm and a way to honor those who still reside in our hearts.” 

When you make a donation of any size, an ornament is personalized for your loved one and made available to place on the Remembrance Tree during the ceremony.

Guests place their ornaments on the Remembrance Tree when they hear their loved one’s name.  If no one is present to place the ornament on the tree, a hospice staff member will do so.

There will be light refreshments after the ceremony provided by Hospice Care Plus staff and volunteers.

Guests are encouraged to take their memorial ornament home with them after the ceremony on Dec.8. If you are unable to attend this year’s event, stop by our Compassionate Care Center (350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and pick up your ornament from the Remembrance Tree, which will be displayed there until the end of the holiday season.

For more information about the event and updates, follow the Remembrance Tree Ceremony Facebook Event Page.

Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative, and grief support care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Make a gift, explore career and volunteer opportunities, or call 859-986-1500 to learn more.