JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The U.S. Capitol Building was alight with Christmas spirit Dec. 4, 2012, as the Capitol Christmas Tree glowed to life just after dusk in Washington, D.C.
The
U.S. Air Force Band's
Ceremonial Brass ensemble provided the soundtrack to this jolly event with a range of traditional Christmas tunes, but that's not the only role "The Chief's Own" played in the nation's Christmas tradition.
As the 73-foot-tall Engelmann Spruce made its way from the White River National Forest near Meeker, Colo., the tree's last stop was Joint Base Andrews before it completed its journey to the West Front Lawn of the Capitol Building.
Historically, the tree's last stop has been Hershey, Pa., but a closer location was desired to allow the Forest Service to prep the tree before taking it to the Capitol. A retired Air Force colonel reached out to Col. Greg Rosenmerkel, 11th Mission Support Group commander to see if Team Andrews could help.
"We were glad they reached out to us; I wish we'd have heard about the need years ago," said Rosenmerkel. "It was a great opportunity to partner with another federal agency and I hope this becomes part of the annual Capitol Christmas Tree tradition."
Determined to go above and beyond providing a rest stop for this national treasure, Team Andrews members made an event out of the tree's visit.
"Many volunteers from across Andrews helped the U.S. Forest Service crew ready the tree for the final leg of the journey and it was a chance for our families to take advantage of yet another opportunity afforded to us by living here in the National Capitol Region," said Rosenmerkel.
When the tree arrived on base Nov. 25, more than 100 Team Andrews volunteers assisted a team from the U.S. Forest Service prepare it for its ride to the Capitol Building the next day. Ms. Leslie Weldon, deputy chief of the U.S. Forest Service, spoke to the volunteers and nearly 100 spectators who came out for the event.
"This was an amazing way to start the Holiday Season at Joint Base Andrews," said Col. Bill Knight, Commander of Joint Base Andrews and the 11th Wing. "We are happy to help out our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and for the opportunity to make another positive impact in our Nation's Capital."
The tree will be lit nightly from dusk to 11 p.m. until Dec. 26. Viewers can also see the more than 5,000 hand-made ornaments provided by children from Colorado.
For more information about the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree as well as trees from years past, visit http://capitolchristmastree2012.org