Memorial Tree To Be Planted In Honor Of Flood Victim Sgt. Hermond

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Blossoms of Hope plans to hold a tree dedication in memory of Sgt. Eddison Hermond, who died in the Ellicott City 2018 floods trying to save someone else.

The event will be at 10:40 a.m. on July 23 at the intersection of Ellicott Mills Drive and Main Street in Ellicott City.

Hermond, 39, of Severn, was trying to help assist another person struggling in the rising waters when he was swept away by the fast-moving floodwaters.

“We are very excited to finally be able to hold the in-person dedication,” Joe Barbera, BOH board
chair said. “Eddison was taken too soon by his very courageous acts during the Ellicott City flood. Blossoms felt it important to honor him in the best way we know — planting a cherry blossom tree in his name that will live on and bloom in our historic city.”

“I am touched by the outpouring of love for Eddison from Blossoms of Hope and the people of Howard County, Maryland,” Cleola Thompson, mother of Hermond, said.

The tree joins three others that were planted and dedicated to the three flood victims and one flood-related victim from the 2016 flood. The Kwanzan Cherry tree has pink blossoms and is one of 2,700 others throughout the county planted by Blossoms of Hope since 2005.

In addition, another tree will be dedicated on July 23 at 10 a.m. behind the Wine Bin for longtime Ellicott City resident Doris Thompson.