The lobby of City Hall was filled with members of the community and the friends and family members of our Gold Star families Wednesday for the unveiling of the Gold Star holiday tree.

The open house was held to pay tribute to the Santa Clarita Gold Star families, who are commemorated on a holiday tree in the lobby of City Hall, which was part of the annual Festival of Trees fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“The holidays are a nice time of year to give thanks and pay tribute to those who have given so much for our country and freedom,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.

The evening included comments from Mayor Kellar and a moment of silence was held for those servicemen we lost.

There are 11 Santa Clarita Gold Star families in the SCV. Gold Star families are those families who have lost a serviceman or woman since 9/11.

The Gold Star Tree is sponsored by Mayor Bob Kellar and the City of Santa Clarita, Larry Rasmussen, the Auto Dealers Association, and Gary Condie.