The Bronx District Attorney's Office hosted the annual Tree of Angels lighting to remember homicide victims in the borough.

It was held virtually last year due to COVID-19. Many families told News 12 that the event is the one time each year where they feel a huge sense of community.

The families were able to memorialize their loved ones by placing ornaments with handwritten messages on them on a Christmas tree.

The annual event is a longtime tradition that was started by a Bronx mother who lost her 10-year-old daughter in 1990. The DA's office says its goal is to let the families know they are not alone this holiday season and that the community is committed to commemorating their loved ones.

Among those in attendance were local politicians and anti-violence groups, including Bronx Borough President-elect Vanessa Gibson and Rep. Jamaal Bowman. They both say that more must be done to keep violence and guns off the streets.