Bessemer Fourth of July festivities kick off with tree lighting

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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BESSEMER — Festivities for Bessemer’s annual Fourth of July starts 7 p.m. tonight in the Pocket Park downtown with the Tree of Honor lighting ceremony.

Linda Nelson, chair of the July 4th committee, said the ceremony is to honor military members of both past and present.

Red, white and blue lights are hung on the tree and the donor’s name is put is put on a plaque, she said which is displayed in front of the tree during the duration of the festivities.

In the past, the ceremony has also included music, including the playing of "Taps," she...