Barr Memorial Library Supervisory librarian Michael Steinmacher decided this year to bring back the Veterans Day tradition of what has become known as the Heroes Tree.
What started out as a Veterans Day gesture, however, has turned into something more. Because of growing interest that continued beyond October, Steinmacher decided to leave the tree up.
Now with dozens of heroes hanging from the branches and more on the way, the tree has taken on a personal significance for many. Here are just a few of those:
Joe Hess served in the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician from 1966 to 1970, including six months on a ship during the Vietnam War.
As a loyal patron of the library who visits nearly every day, he was asked by staff to provide a picture for the tree. He obliged.
“Service to the nation means a lot," said Hess. "I’m proud to have been in the Navy; it helped me grow. And I’m proud to be on the tree with these other veterans.”
Heather Aufschlag served in the U.S. Army as a medic from 1991 to 1999. She now works as the operations officer of the Community Recreation Division at Fort Knox FMWR. Library staff hung two of her photos on the tree.
Chris “G” Galbusieri retired from the Army in 2017 and served in several deployments throughout his career. A picture of him with his working dog was hung on the tree by his wife Andrea, who wanted to honor his over 20 years of service to the Army.
“He’s loyal and has integrity and perseverance," said Andrea. "He’s my hero because he always puts everybody else above himself.”
Shala LeMaster fondly remembers her father Steven LeMaster’s service and his love for her mother Dianne growing up.
One of LeMaster's favorite memories was of a particular promotion ceremony, in which her mom was given the honor of pinning on Steven's new rank.
“She had no knowledge of the Army or military ceremonies whatsoever," said LeMaster. "The Soldier pinned before my dad didn’t have a spouse or anyone present to pin him, so his sergeant pinned him and punched him in the arm. When my mom pinned my dad, she thought she was supposed to do the same, so she pinned him and punched him in the arm – which made the entire room burst into laughter.”
Her father died in 2018.
Pam Ortiz-Miller, a volunteer at the library, sent in a picture of her and the children with her husband, Daniel, who joined the Army in 2007. Daniel serves with ARAC’s 8th Attack Battalion, 229th “Flying Tigers” Aviation Regiment.
“We both come from families that have served; that’s what we do," said Pam. "For the love that he has for our country and all that he does to provide for us as family, we’re just so grateful.”
Steinmacher said the library plans to leave the tree up through Dec. 30.
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