Christmas in November
Attendees of the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrival take a photo with Santa Clause on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 20, 2014. The tree made its final stop at JBA in its 2,000 mile road trip before it will be displayed and lit at the U.S. Capitol Building’s west lawn on Dec. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
Christmas in November
Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 11th Wing command chief, signs his name on the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s banner on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 20, 2014. As the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree traveled 2,000 miles from Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota, people from each of the 30 stops signed the 65-foot banner. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
Christmas in November
Attendees of the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrival make arts and crafts at an event stand on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 20, 2014. The 88-year old white spruce made its final stop at JBA in its 2,000 mile road trip before it will be displayed and lit at the U.S. Capitol Building’s west lawn on Dec. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
Christmas in November
Col. Daniel Waters, 11th Wing commander, holds a Christmas tree ornament at the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrival on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 20, 2014. Chippewa National Forrest members gave out ornaments while thanking military members and their families for their service. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
Christmas in November
Team Andrews members salute the flag at the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrival on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 20, 2014. The 88-foot tall white spruce made its final stop at JBA in its 2,000 mile road trip before it will be displayed and lit at the U.S. Capitol Building’s west lawn on Dec. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
By Senior Airman Nesha Humes / Published Nov. 21, 2014
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md,
Team Andrews brightened with holiday cheer as the 88-foot tall Capitol Christmas Tree arrived here Nov. 20.
The 88 year-old, white spruce traveled more than 2,000 miles from the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota, and was featured in more than 30 community celebrations along the way.
It made its final stop at Joint Base Andrews before being decorated and put up for display at the U.S. Capitol Building's west lawn.
"JBA is the only location where they uncase the tree before it arrives at the Capitol," 1st Lt. Tommy Le, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron simplified acquisitions of base requirements chief said. "It's a great honor to bring [the tree] to our military families so they can enjoy this holiday event."
More than 100 Team Andrews members volunteered to assist the U.S. Forrest Service Team in its arrival.
"It's been a great event," 2nd Lt. Charles MacDonald 11th Civil Engineer Squadron chief programs development said. "Seeing all the kids and families come out has definitely put me in the holiday spirit."
After it arrives at the capitol, the tree will be decorated with thousands of ornaments, handcrafted by children and others from Minnesota communities as a gift from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
Speaker of the House John A. Boehner will light The Capitol Christmas Tree during a ceremony on Dec. 2 on the U.S. Capitol's west lawn at 5 p.m.
The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964.
