PHOENIX (CBS5) -
After years of his service to our country, a 90-year-old war veteran from the Valley wanted to recognize his neighbor as an unsung hero who saves Christmas every year.
If Santa had a workshop to make holiday light, it would probably look something like Richard Aguirre's garage.
He's brought a bit of his Spanish roots to the neighborhood. It's a Feliz Navidad that everyone helps create and a tradition eight years in the making that brightens the street.
"The idea behind the luminaries was to light the way to your home for travelers and such," Aguirre said.
And it brightens the hearts of his neighbors.
Arnold Penney, who lives two doors down, was more than happy to point out all the work that his friend does every year.
No matter who they are, Aguirre pays for and hangs Christmas decorations on nearly every home.
Penney paid it forward, giving Aguirre $500 for all his time and money spent to make the holidays brighter for the neighborhood.
"This just might help to make up for a little bit that you have spent over the years," Penney said.
"We do this because we want to do it, because maybe one day somebody will do that for us," Aguirre said.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
© CBS 5
© CBS 5
