The loved and lost remembered at Belleville tree lighting ceremony

On a cold evening, dozens gathered along Illinois Street in Belleville to light a Christmas tree in honor of loved ones they have lost.

The ceremony was hosted Tuesday by Hospice of Southern Illinois, though many who were not associated with the hospice — including Belleville Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer and other city officials — also attended.

The event began with harmonized Christmas carols performed by choir students from Belleville West High School, then moved to a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence for those who have died. They stood in silence through a chilly 39-degree temperature and harsh winter wind.

Attendees mourned and memorialized loved ones lost, especially around Christmas. Deacon Doug Boyer, for example, remembered his father, who died three days before Christmas, and his father-in-law, who passed away three days after Christmas.

“The way we honor those we love and lost, and how we respond to that loss can take many different forms,” Boyer said.

Lisa Phillipson, an employee at Hospice of Southern Illinois who helped organize and emcee the event, said she normally remembers her mother and grandfather at this time, but is also holding space for her brother, who died in May.

“I think a lot of people are struggling with the holidays when they lose someone,” Phillipson said, “and if we can give back and help people who might be struggling with someone they lost, we can honor and remember them.”