Cedar Vigil Tuesday, 5:30

[from Suzanne Coleman]
An Open Invitation to the People of Southern Pines,

You are invited to commemorate the life of Lady Deodara on Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. and pay tribute to her years of service.

Regardless of your position on this issue, come, because this magnificent tree deserves it. She served us well for almost 100 years. She offered shelter and protection to a myriad of birds and provided shade to residents and visitors alike. She gave us everything she had for more than four generations and was repaid with an ambush in the pre-dawn hours when she was defenseless. She deserves a proper, honorable burial.

Come on principle, because we in Southern Pines honor and cherish ritual and tradition. We take pride in doing things the right way, the honorable way... not behind people's backs... not under the cover of darkness.

Come because this grand old Lady earned our respect and deserves our thanks and praise.

Come because she was one of us and she deserved better.

Suzanne