What or who do you value in your community? We posed that question to Santa Clara County residents, from kindergartners to grandparents, and their answers became the theme for our 2014 Community Peace Tree in Christmas in the Park, San Jose’s annual display of 60 animated or musical exhibits, thousands of lights and hundreds of decorated trees.
The dozens of ornaments on our tree, most of them hand-decorated by elementary school students, carry expressions of gratitude for being able to live in a community of people who support each other.
Wrote Ellen Donlin of San Jose for her ornament, “I value the compassion of individuals, groups and nonprofits and organizations who serve the less fortunate with direct service or advocacy. “
Closer to home, Deepti Mangal of Saratoga said, “I cherish the beautiful gift of friendship and family and the happiness galore in the company of these we love.”
“We treasure the richness that our diverse cultures bring to San Jose, especially the Hispanic and Asian communities,” wrote Bracey and Richard Tiede.
Kim Worrall of San Jose wrote, “I am grateful, and thankful for our Vietnam War veterans, for their service and sacrifice as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.”
When Corey Hernandez’s fourth-grade class at Laneview Elementary School
in the Berryessa area of San Jose was asked the question, the students chose people who serve the community. The most popular choice was police officer, followed by soldier and firefighter. The fourth-graders then turned their gingerbread cookie-shaped ornament into artistic depictions of who they value and why.
Here are a few:
“Police officers protect the world from trouble. It is important so people don’t get shot by a gun and die.”
“Soldiers are important because they risk their lives to save us and our country.”
“I chose a firefighter because firefighters help put out fires and help other people that are inside the fire.”
But also:
“The astronaut is special to the country so it sees what goes on in space for education for scientists to study.”
“Safety Patrol is important to the community because they make sure the school crosses the road safely. They make sure the cars stop when they need to and have students cross.”
“Doctors are important because they help people, like if they are sick or if they have Ebola. So now you know why doctors are important. “
“A builder is important because he builds homes, schools and streets. Mostly he builds anything around you with stones and cement. Builders make buildings to keep people safe from anything dangerous.”
When you visit Christmas in the Park, a 30-year-old tradition in Downtown San Jose, the District 3 Community Tree is near the Nativity Scene facing Market Street.
Oh, and who do I value?
First of all my immediate family and then my very large extended family — the residents of Santa Clara County who I am honored to represent on the Board of Supervisors.
Have a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
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Dave Cortese represents Milpitas, Berryessa and North San Jose on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
