ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
To kick off the festivities for the holiday week, two longtime Andrews traditions, including the annual Base Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony and the Andrews Holiday Card Contest, will be held at 5:30 p.m. in front of Chapel 1 Dec. 3.
"The annual Base Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony provides the Andrews community with the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season," said Chap. (Capt.) Mark McKellen, a 316th Wing protestant chaplain, "For those of the Jewish faith, this is the time to celebrate Hanukkah and for those of the Christian faith, this is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. No matter what your faith background is, this will be a fun time for everyone."
"The event will consist of a performance by the Chapel Community Children's Choir, lighting of the menorah, lighting of the Christmas tree, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus," said Chaplain McKellen, "Inside we'll have refreshments including cookies and hot chocolate. Children will be able to have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's workshop inside Chapel 1. The Air Force band will conclude the festive evening with a performance in the sanctuary of Chapel 1."
In addition to the tree and menorah lighting ceremony, Andrews will continue its traditional holiday card contest. The contest will be awarded during the evening's festivities, said Chaplain McKellen.
As with every contest, there will be set rules to adhere to for contestants of the holiday card contest; contestants will only be comprised of units located on base at Andrews. Each unit will submit their own constructed card with a point of contact listed on the back, and each card is to be delivered no later than Monday at 4:30 p.m., and picked up no later than January 3, 2009. Cards are to be built by each unit using plywood available at the Structure Shop in building 3349, said Chaplain McKellen.
The holiday card contest winners will be awarded prize money for quality of life programs within the unit. The winner of the first place prize will win $500, second place will win $300 and third place will win $200.
For more information on any event mentioned in this article, please call the chapel center at (301) 981-2111.