The Honoring Hometown Heroes ceremony, an annual tribute to fallen military service members, is set to take place for the last time on December 7, 2025, at the Yorba Linda Public Library. For the past 15 years, families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country have gathered to remember their loved ones through a unique tree-decorating tradition.
During the ceremony, attendees listen as the names of the deceased are read aloud. Family members receive personalized ornaments representing their loved ones, which they then place on a Christmas tree. This poignant act serves not only to honor the fallen but also to provide comfort to families during a season that can be particularly challenging for them. “It’s something for Gold Star families during the holidays when they may be feeling more lonely or hurt or lost,” shared Gary Brattain, who has participated since the event’s inception in memory of his son, Pfc. Joel Brattain, who was killed in Iraq in March 2004.
A Tradition That Grew Beyond Expectations
The ceremony began in 2010 as a one-time event organized by Yorba Linda residents Wayne and Cindy Scott. Initially aimed at honoring Gold Star families from Orange County following the events of September 11, the gathering quickly gained momentum, attracting families from across the country, including some with connections to veterans of the Vietnam War.
“About 15 families participated that first year, but we didn’t realize how monumental an event it would become,” Wayne Scott recalled. In subsequent years, attendance swelled to over 50 families, reflecting the deep resonance of the ceremony within the community. The event was held at the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum for many years, benefitting from its resources and staff support.
Despite its growth, the Scott family has faced challenges in organizing the event in recent years. Following a change in venue last year, they have taken on additional responsibilities, including coordinating invitations, procuring unique ornaments, and managing fundraising efforts. This year, however, Cindy Scott’s health issues have led the couple to conclude that this will be their final ceremony.
Community and Legacy
Wayne Scott expressed the sentiment that while the event has been a labor of love, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain. “While we love the Gold Star families and how they’ve received the ceremony, we simply decided we couldn’t continue to do it,” he said.
The ceremony not only remembers the fallen but also fosters a sense of community among those who attend. Marine Master Sgt. Jaime Soto Jr. has often been present to support families during this emotional time. For many, the event serves as a vital connection to their lost loved ones. “If you say their names, it keeps them alive,” said Brattain. “When they do a ceremony like this, and they call out their names, they’re alive. They’re still there for that family.”
Sunday’s event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will honor 45 families. The ceremony will feature a presentation of colors by the Troy High School Navy Junior ROTC and musical performances by the Band of the California Battalion. Notably, Rear Adm. Ronne Froman, the first woman to command the U.S. Navy Region Southwest, will serve as the guest presenter.
The pandemic posed challenges, forcing a cancellation in 2020 and leading to a reduced ceremony the following year due to health crises affecting Cindy Scott. “Is someone else going to pick it up after this year? I do not know,” Wayne Scott remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the future of this heartfelt tradition.