Zionsville’s Hussey-Mayfield Public Library officially began its tribute to military members on Nov. 1.

But Jamie Schlenk, who is head of the library’s Youth Services Department, said the Our Heroes Tree created a buzz before it was placed in the Youth Services section.

The tree features handmade ornaments decorated by area residents to honor a service member or veteran in their life.

“People that work here at the library are already saying they want to get one for their dad or brother and asking if we have the ornaments yet,” Schlenk said several days before the tree’s dedication.

She said the 31/2-foot tree will be part of the Holiday Stroll that will include Christmas trees with different themes throughout the library.

“We decided to start this one in November because of Veterans Day (Nov. 11),” Schlenk said.

The ornaments, available for free at the library’s reference desk, are in star, dove and oval shapes.

Schlenk said Purdue’s Military Family Institute developed the program to honor the sacrifices of service members. The institute chose to present it through libraries because they are seen as community meeting places.

“Not every community has a town meeting place, but most communities — even small ones — have a library,” Schlenk said.

Those interested should bring the ornament to the Youth Services Department on the first floor of the library. Participants are encouraged to include pictures or a personal tribute to the service member featured on their ornament.

“The other part of this initiative, if you want to do it, is to write something about this (service member) and what they mean to you or what you think they did for the country,” Schlenk said. “Purdue is also trying to organize all this information online. So you can send them a copy of what you wrote and you can even scan a picture of the ornament.”