A cherished holiday tradition honoring loved ones was held Wednesday at Doctors Hospital of Manteca.

The 32nd annual Tree of Lights Ceremony offered those in the community with the opportunity to recognize people who have impacted their lives via a memorial or honorary light.

Symbolic of that was the strands of energy-efficient bulbs adoring the towering evergreen tree at the corner of Cottage and East North Street.

According to Hospice of San Joaquin – this was part of the eight-city stop across the county – each ceremony offered uniqueness of those places and involved local organizations.

For Manteca, it was DHM serving as the only hospital for the Tree of Lights Ceremony.

Manteca Youth Focus, the local non-profit group the helps develop young leaders in the community, was well represented. Included was the Ang family performing music with strings and keyboard to those gathering in the DHM side parking lot.

Hospice of San Joaquin board member Chris Frey welcomed those in attendance with Pastor Dan Mahaffie of Sequoia Church leading in the invocation.

Tina Burch served as the special guest. She was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Doctors Hospital over a year ago.

Hospice of SJ, which provides peace and comfort to those suffering in their final days, also featured the Memory board, listing of names of those recognized by the lights on the tree.