In the center of Nesquehoning, a veterans memorial sits, honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

In the corner of that memorial, just off Catawissa Street, stands a small Christmas tree.The tree, planted by the Nesquehoning Lions Club, stands for two things community and remembrance.On Monday evening, a number of residents gathered at the memorial for the first borough Christmas tree lighting, as well as to dedicate the tree to the veterans of the community.Lions treasurer Frank Jacobs said the tree represents more than just Christmas, it also reminds families of the veterans who never made it home that they are not forgotten."We've been waiting for a community Christmas tree for a long time," Jacobs said.Lions secretary Rita Trucios said some of the veterans didn't and won't make it home for Christmas, so this is the Lions Club's way of including them in the Christmas celebrations.Nesquehoning Mayor Sam Kitchko thanked the Lions Club for providing the borough with a community tree."Hopefully as this tree grows, our community will grow along with it," he said.Larry Williams, second vice district governor of District 14-U, also commended the Lions Club for doing their best to try to help the Nesquehoning community.He said this tree isn't just for the veterans of the past, but also includes today's men and women serving this country.Following the dedication, the Lions Club played and sang Christmas carols at the memorial.The Nesquehoning Lions Club began planning the community Christmas tree following the Carbon County Veterans Day parade, held in the borough this year.Jacobs approached his fellow Lions with the idea and the group agreed.Lion Bruce Nalesnik spoke with Yenser's Tree Farm of Lehighton about the project, and Yenser's donated the tree for the cause.The borough also provided street committee employees to help plant the live tree at the memorial."They recommended we start small," Jacobs said of the tree. "But it will grow into a beautiful landmark for Nesquehoning."This is one of many projects the Nesquehoning Lions Club has in the works to beautify Nesquehoning.Earlier this year, the club replaced 60 of the town's worn and frayed American flags as well as the poles and hardware that hang along Catawissa Street.