The Parade of Trees, which features Christmas trees decorated by top country musicians, will be on display at the Gaylord Opryland Resort through January 10 for the resort’s 39th annual A Country Christmas event. According to American Songwriter, each participating artist has decorated a tree in their own style and is auctioning off a unique fan experience to benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which provides scholarships and mental health support to children who have lost a parent while in the line of duty.
Participating artists included George Strait, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Kacey Musgraves among others. According to American Songwriter, Strait decorated his tree blue in honor of first responders and his song “The Weight of the Badge.” Urban decorated his tree red with cassette tapes, and McEntire opted for a festive red, green, and gold tree with white lights.
McEntire shared that, “the holidays are a special time when people come together to celebrate and be thankful for their blessings. This holiday season, I’m thankful I can help raise awareness for the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which supports the children and families of first responders who risk their lives every day to serve our communities.”
According to their website, “The First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.”
The event not only celebrates the light that Christmas brings, but unites country artists and fans together for a great cause. Benefitting children whose heroic parents sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, the event raises awareness of the importance of giving back to those who have given all.