The holidays are a time for folks to spend with their friends and family. Those serving our country overseas do not have that privilege.

On this rainy Tuesday at the Floyd County Library, Librarian Randy Reno looked past the books, at the library's Christmas tree.

"This is my way of saying thanks, or our way, the library's way of saying thanks," said Reno.

He said he wanted to give the tree new meaning this year.

"With the Iraq War going so long and the Afghanistan War going so long, we've had a lot of local guys go out to the war," said Reno.

The library decided to dedicate this year's tree to those serving overseas. Those are Christmas colors deployed troops do not usually see.

"Oh yeah several times I've been gone through the holidays," said Sergeant First Class Jacob Goble.

Goble returned home from Afghanistan last year.

"It's always in the back of your mind that you could go again," said Goble.

It is the call of duty that keeps many troops away from their families during the holidays.

"Put them in your thoughts and prayers. That's the only thing I can say. Freedom isn't free," said Goble.

"Let us honor them. Let us give them a tribute," said Reno.

The Floyd County Library wants the families of those who are serving or who have served to add photos of their loved ones to the tree.