BY ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

“It’s nice to be outside on a night like this,” said Olde Homestead Golf Club General Manager Justin Smith, as he welcomed several hundred people to the lighting of the Miracle Tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Under a silvery full moon, patrons gathered in small groups to chat and enjoy wine or hot cocoa in anticipation of the lighting.

Then, Smith led the crowd in a quick countdown, and the Miracle Tree burst into brilliant light, just as Steve Johnson strummed and sang the time honored hymn, “Amazing Grace.”

About 42,000 lights in variously colorful strands decorated the large maple tree located off the deck of the restaurant at Olde Homestead.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres added to the convivial atmosphere of the celebration.

The Miracle Tree is both a fundraiser for the Veterans Memorial slated for completion in a year at Ontelaunee Park, and as a way for folks to memorialize family and friends.

“You made this happen,” Smith said addressing the crowd.

“Contributions came from 43 states and three different countries.

“This tree honors our most cherished memories. I asked you to support a fundraiser and you gave me the money.”

Smith then presented a check for $10,000 to the Veterans Memorial Committee.

“What an exciting and beautiful night,” said Donald Christ, president of the memorial committee, optimistic about reaching the projected $300,000 goal for construction.

Admiral Dave Keller (retired) then addressed the gathering.

“It’s a labor of love for us,” said Keller. “As of today, we were about 60 percent there. Now we’re at 70 percent.”

Vietnam War veteran Bill Dellicker described the vision for the memorial.

“We wanted a unique and appropriate memorial, a solemn place for folks to visit,” Dellicker said. “Names will be etched on granite pillars commemorating local residents who served from the Revolutionary War up to the current war on terror.”

Pastor Wally Frisch of the Ebenezer United Church of Christ delivered the benediction.

”This is the season of love, the Christmas season, a season of generosity, a time to open our hearts to what others have done for us,” he said. “We bless this magic tree to do what is good, to [memorialize] our veterans for generations to come.”

Everyone is invited to visit and enjoy the Magic Tree.

“The tree will be on all winter long,” Smith said.

Personal remembrances are posted on a virtual Memory Wall that can be seen at oldehomesteadmagictree.com/memory-wall.