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U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

 

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes one of the most cherished traditions in the nation’s capital—the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will shine brightly as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is illuminated in a special ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. 

Whether you attend the lighting ceremony or admire the tree throughout the season, this event is a reminder of the values that bring us together—peace, hope, and community. Bring your loved ones, snap some photos, and share in the joy of this beloved tradition.

 

For more details about the tree and its journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., follow along on our social media channels.

Lynden Selected as 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Carrier

“The People’s Tree” will journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., in a Kenworth T680

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 15, 2024)—Known for its long history of reliable freight transportation from Alaska to the continental U.S., Lynden has been selected to transport the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The journey will begin in the Tongass National Forest, travel across the United States, making stops to connect and share the experience with communities and arrive at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in November.

Lynden began as a two-horse operation in 1906—then called Lynden Transfer—with Ed Austin transporting freight between Lynden and Bellingham, Washington. In 1954, Lynden opened services to Alaska by way of the Alcan Highway, delivering fresh food and supplies to Alaskans. Today, Lynden is a multi-modal provider offering air, marine, trucking, and logistics services.

Alaska is Lynden’s home and primary market, making it an ideal partner to ensure quality transportation of “The People’s Tree” to Washington, D.C.

“Lynden is an Alaska-based company, and our roots run as deep as the Christmas tree that will be harvested in the Tongass National Forest. We are proud that we are again being entrusted with the delivery of the tree and supporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour with our legendary drivers, John Schank and Fred Austin, both from our Fairbanks Service Center,” says Lynden Transport President Paul Grimaldi. “John and Fred are a dynamic duo of driving experience, leadership, and positive energy which will make the cross-country trip memorable.”

Fred Austin and John Schank share the honor of driving the Kenworth T680 tractor and Hale Trailer carrying the tree. Their stellar histories and performances with Lynden made them perfect candidates for the task. They both began working for Lynden in 1975 and have earned numerous prestigious honors and designations in the driving industry for their outstanding professionalism and skills. Collectively, they have driven over 10 million accident-free miles for Lynden in Alaska.

The truck pulling this year’s tree is a Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

“It was my honor to carry the tree across the country in 2015, and I’m grateful to get another opportunity in 2024,” Schank says. “I stopped along the way for community events and met a lot of kids who thought I was Santa taking the Christmas tree to the U.S. Capitol. I’ll never forget it. I can’t wait to start the journey in early November to deliver another beautiful tree from my home state of Alaska.”

This will be Austin’s first experience supporting the initiative. Known as the “Icon of the Alcan,” he inspires Lynden employees and customers. “I’m excited to be a part of this important project and look forward to meeting new friends along the way,” Austin says.

About Lynden
Lynden companies provide transportation and logistics solutions in Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and around the world. Extensive multi-modal capabilities allow customers to optimize time and expense by shipping via air, land or sea, or in any combination. For more than a century, Lynden has been helping customers get the job done. To learn more, visit www.lynden.com.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a more than 50-year tradition in which one of our 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners, including The Society of American Foresters, cash and in-kind contributions from large and small companies, and volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2024 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, please visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.

Alaska’s National Forests announce the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour from Alaska to Washington, D.C.

JUNEAU, Alaska – Oct. 8, 2024 – The Tongass and Chugach National Forests, nonprofit partner Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, are excited to announce the eleven locations of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour, starting in Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan.  

The tree’s 4,000-mile journey from Wrangell, Alaska, to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building will kick off on Oct. 30. Over three weeks, the tour will travel to the “Lower 48” by sea and then by truck from the Pacific coast of the United States all the way to the eastern seaboard.  

At each stop along the way, people will have the opportunity to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with markers, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, get free stickers and pins, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.” 

The tour’s eleven Whistlestops before the tree is delivered to Washington, D.C. are:  

Wednesday, Oct. 30 – Ketchikan, Alaska 

Alaska Marine Highway Terminal (3501 Tongass Ave.) 

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  

Friday, Nov. 8 – Baker City, Ore. 

Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center -Rodeo Grounds (2600 E. St.) 

Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Pocatello, Idaho 

The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade (700 E. Lewis St.) 

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Murray, Utah 

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation’s Wheeler Historic Farm(6351 S 900 E) 

Time: 5 to 7 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 10 – Grand Junction, Colo. 

Cabela’s (2424 US-6) 

Time: 3 to 5 p.m. 

Monday, Nov. 11 – Loveland, Colo. 

The Ranch Events Complex (5280 Arena Cir.) 

Time: To be announced  

Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Omaha, Neb. 

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront (345 Riverfront Dr.) 

Time: To be announced 

Saturday, Nov. 16 – Fort Wayne, Ind.  

Parkview Field (1301 Ewing St.) 

Time: 4 to 7:00 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 17 – Columbus, Ohio 

Center of Science and Industry (333 W. Broad St.) 

Time: 1 to 3:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Hagerstown, Md. 

The Maryland Theater (21 S. Potomac St.) 

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Thursday, Nov. 21 – Joint Base Andrews, Md. 

Andrews Theater (1674 D St.) 

Time: To be determined 

Note: DoD with installation access only 

Tour dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on the Whistlestop Tour events, visit: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar 

The tree’s journey is possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor 84 Lumber along with Kenworth Truck Company, Lynden Transport, Hale Truck and Trailer, SEALONCE, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Geographic, KTUU, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ironwood Forestry, Truckload Carriers Association, TreeSwift, T3, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Verizon Frontline and more. 

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree  
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic, cash and in-kind contributions from small businesses and large corporations, as well as volunteers throughout Alaska and across the United States.  

 

We invite everyone to learn more and follow the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey!

Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree  

Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree  

X: @USCapitolTree  

 

Follow Alaska’s National Forests at: 

Alaska Region: 

2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree celebration begins in Wrangell, stops in Ketchikan

KETCHIKAN, Alaska – Oct. 4, 2024 – The harvest celebration for the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour will happen this month in Wrangell, followed by the first Whistlestop Tour event in Ketchikan. These are the only two Alaskan events before the “Peoples Tree” begins its 4000-mile journey to Washington, D.C.

The Capitol Christmas Tree celebration in Wrangell begins Oct. 26, with a tree blessing by the Wrangell Cooperative Association outside the James & Elsie Nolan Center – where the 74-ft Sitka Spruce will be parked. Families will be able to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with marker, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.”

“It’s a great privilege for The People’s Tree to be coming from the Tongass this year,” said Tongass National Forest Deputy Supervisor Clint Kolarich. “We’re excited to be a part of this historic undertaking and the Wrangell Cooperative Association along with the Community of Wrangell have been amazing partners.”

The City and Borough of Wrangell incorporated this unique event into their existing, three-day harvest celebration, which features live music, a pumpkin patch, Halloween themed parties and more. Find out more at https://travelwrangell.com/wrangell-cct-harvest.

After the Wrangell event, the tree and trailer will be loaded onto a barge and sent to Alaska’s “First City” for the first event of the Whistlestop Tour – a series of community celebrations along the tree’s path.

The Ketchikan event will be at the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal parking lot from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. The Alaska Marine Highway System donated the space, and the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Forest Service to help build and promote the occasion. This event is still being developed, and local businesses and entertainment are encouraged to register for a free booth space to take part: https://events.humanitix.com/capitol-christmas-tree-whistlestop-tour.  

“I have no doubt the community of Ketchikan is going to come together to make the most of this historic occasion,” said Kolarich.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project is led by the Forest Service’s Alaska Region, in partnership with Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber. This is the first time the Tongass is providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic, cash and in-kind contributions from small businesses and large corporations, as well as volunteers throughout Alaska and across the United States.

We invite everyone to learn more and follow the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey at:

Website: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com

Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree

Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree

X: @USCapitolTree

Follow Alaska’s National Forests at:

https://www.facebook.com/ChugachNF

Meet the Sponsors: Hale

Hale

Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel Inc., renowned for its exceptional service, extensive inventory, and commitment to customer satisfaction, is thrilled to once again be a part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative. For years, Hale Trailer has proudly donated the trailers necessary to transport the majestic Christmas tree from its original home to our great nation’s capital. As a leading independent trailer dealership in North America with branches across the east coast and midwest, Hale Trailer understands the importance of giving back to the community. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative is a cherished tradition that brings joy and holiday spirit to millions of people across the country. By providing our reliable and durable trailers for this special mission, Hale Trailer is honored to contribute to the success of this beloved event.
Hale Trailer’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our business, from our extensive selection of trailers to our knowledgeable and dedicated team. We are proud to partner with manufacturers who share our values and provide high-quality products that meet the unique needs of our customers. Our strong relationships with these manufacturers allow us to offer exceptional support and customized solutions.

Whether you’re looking to purchase, rent, or lease a trailer, Hale Trailer is your one-stop shop for all your transportation needs. Our extensive inventory ensures that we have the perfect trailer for any application, from flatbeds and reefers to dumps and lowboys. With our commitment to customer service and our reputation for reliability, you can trust Hale Trailer to deliver the highest quality products and services. So, as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree embarks on its journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., know that Hale Trailer is proud to be a part of this magical tradition. We are honored to contribute to the joy and wonder this special tree brings to people nationwide.

2023 Tree from Monongahela National Forest Lit on West Lawn

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US Capitol Christmas Tree

The holiday season has officially begun, as the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest was lit during a public ceremony. The Architect of the Capitol welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV), essay contest winner Ethan Reese and the Richwood High School Marching Band.

This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. The People’s Tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2024. Visiting the tree is free and open to the public. No ticket is required.

Watch the ceremony

Trees grown in Bruceton Mills to be displayed in Washington, D.C.

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CCT USDA Tree

With this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas celebration theme being “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful,” a number of smaller trees will be distributed throughout Washington D.C. and Joint Base Andrew. All of these trees will be provided by presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Jim Rockis of Bruceton Mills, WV.

Jim Rockis became interested in quantitative genetics in the early 90s with help from late WVU professor Frank Cech. Since Cech passed back in 2009, Rockis has carried out the knowledge and skill needed to produce genetically superior trees, more specifically the Canaan Fir tree.

“There’s a lot of things that folks don’t know about in our state of West Virginia that we’re doing with forestry, we’re doing with horticulture, and I kind of look at myself as combining the two. What we do and is kind of neat, we’re supplying a lot of the seed that goes to high growers in Michigan, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even North Carolina,” Rockis said in an interview with 12 News.

The most popularly recognized Christmas tree is the Frasier Fir, though Rockis said that it’s rather difficult to grow. This encouraged Rockis’ experimentation of the Canaan Fir, a tree native of West Virginia, which he has developed to resemble a Frasier Fir yet with a better “shelf life.”

Rockis and 84 Lumber are working together to deliver a 25-foot Canaan Fir that Rockis selected himself to the federal USDA building in Washington, D.C.

“I’m very honored to participate in this to show what we do here, particularly with forestry, agriculture, horticulture, particularly in the private sector of West Virginia. We’re very excited to share with the nation what we’re doing up here, and how we’re developing genetically superior trees,” said Rockis.

Rockis hopes to be in D.C. whenever the trees arrive, and he hopes to encourage the youth by sharing his own story.

Originally published at WBOY on September 28, 2023.
Photo of 25′ Canaan Fir in the USDA building in Washington, D.C.

Tree safely arrives in D.C.; Lighting Ceremony to take place Nov. 28

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Each year, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service. This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest.

The tree traveled to Washington, D.C., by truck making stops in communities along its route before arriving at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, November 17, 2023. A team of employees from the AOC will secure and decorate the tree, ensuring it is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from all over the country and around the world. 

The lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a time-honored tradition of more than 50 years, will take place Tuesday, November 28, 2023, during a ceremony on the West Front Lawn beginning at 5 p.m. It will then be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2024. Visiting the tree is free and open to the public.

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