GREEN BAY -- The lighting of the peace tree in Downtown Green Bay tonight is kicking off the holiday season.
For many this month's deadly terrorist attacks are creating a stronger call for unity.
For some, tonight's Peace Tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday shopping season.
But others gathering around the tree earlier tonight are calling for solidarity in the face of recent terrorist attacks, and plots, that have left so many uneasy.
Moments before the peace tree is lit, event leaders called for a moment of silence, "in remembrance of those individuals in Paris," says Brown Co. executive Troy Streckenbach.
"As individuals, we may be different, but in the end, we're all humanitarians," Strackenbach adds after the pause, "we're all humans."
"How befitting is this that we're doing a peace celebration--the Peace Tree," says Terri Schimmel-Woods, of People for People of Green Bay, "when we have all this going on in the world."
She says tonight's ceremony is a call to be fearless in the face of terrorism.
"We are fearless all over the world--not just here, in Green Bay," says Schimmel-Woods, "but all over the world."
Stephanie Lemerond is from Paris, and teaches all things France--from the language, and culture, to trips overseas with students.
"I really wish I could be there," says Lemerond. "I feel helpless--that's a great term to use."
She says her family lives not too far from where Friday's attack in Paris occured.
"They're getting used to all the security," says Lemerond, "and all the tension that's going on there."
And she's making sure her float in this year's AT&T Green Bay Holiday Parade shows her love for home.
The float consists of many Parisian-themed features, including a massive Eiffel Tower replica.
"We are still there with them," says Lemerond, "in our prayers, and in our thoughts."
Now, she's also asking the public to get behind France, and the float--literally--by marching alongside this Saturday in Downtown Green Bay.
She encourages people to dress for the occasion.
"...a beret, a French flag--they can draw it on their face," says Lemerond, "even bring a baguette," she adds, smiling.
If you have interest in marching alongside the float this Saturday, Lemerond says meet at 9:15 Saturday morning, along Stuart Street.
Look for float 57--or the one with the large Eiffel Tower on it.
The AT&T Green Bay Holiday Parade begins at 10 AM Saturday.
