Remembering a Great Loss during This Season of Joy
When your life’s work is decorating for the Holidays, the way you express yourself is through lights and sparkle. Two San Antonio entrepreneurs are doing that right now with a special creation.
Their company, Decor IQ, is known for its festive Christmas decorations adorning the San Antonio River Walk, SeaWorld and the like. This Holiday Season, they want all of us to remember the people who were killed by a gunman in an El Paso Walmart in August by donating a gigantic illuminated tree in their honor.
“We selected a tree comprised of 22 towers of light, to represent each of the victims.”
Mark Metzger Decor IQ
Metzger and fellow co-owner John Alban feel a personal connection to El Paso having decorated parts of the city for years. Shortly after the horrible tragedy, they felt a need to show their support and solidarity using their talents which is creating holiday displays.
“John and I are family men and fathers who hope by giving this tree, we offer some healing to those impacted by the violence. The tree is intended to respectfully remember the lives taken so tragically. We want the families, loved ones and anyone touched by this loss to know we are thinking of you” Mark Metzger, Decor IQ
The custom tree journeyed thousands of miles to its current destination now greeting travelers at the entrance of El Paso International Airport. The 30 foot tannenbaum began its long sojourn from Europe where it was made to Decor IQ in San Antonio.
Metzger and Alban worked through a cold December night constructing the tree to make sure it was what they envisioned: a decoration worthy to serve as a memorial. They tore it down and loaded it on a truck for the more than 550 mile trip from the Alamo City to El Paso. Crew members built the tree a second time in front of the airport where it is now illuminated nightly.
A plaque completes the symbol of love with the names of the victims encircling the words “22 unique panels of light form this tree pointing to the stars in remembrance of those who lost their life on August 3, 2019”
The tree will be on display until January 7, 2020.
Décor IQ is a holiday decorating company that designs, and installs dazzling holiday displays for cities, shopping malls, theme parks, entertainment districts, Fortune 500 businesses and tourist destinations across the US. The company headquarters is located at 1310 West Laurel, San Antonio, Texas 78201. More information can be found on their website www.DecorIQ.net
About the Author:
Leslie Bohl is the owner of Leslie Bohl Media. She provides many services including media coaching, video storytelling, writing, emceeing and voice over work. Leslie is channeling her extensive experience of 25 Plus years as a television news anchor, reporter and lifestyle show host into helping business professionals feel and look their best in front of a camera. You will find her blog “Living Your Best Life with Leslie” on www.LeslieBohl.net
Leslie Bohl is the owner of Leslie Bohl Media. She provides many services including media coaching, video storytelling, writing, emceeing and voice over work. Leslie is channeling her extensive experience of 25 Plus years as a television news anchor, reporter and lifestyle show host into helping business professionals feel and look their best in front of a camera. You will find her blog “Living Your Best Life with Leslie” on www.LeslieBohl.net
That just warms my heart❤️
Thank you!
As a native El Pasoan, I’m grateful to read about this memorial. Thank you for bringing this story to us.
Hello! I just saw your comment! I am sorry I missed it until now. Thank you for reading and responding!! Respectfully, Leslie