Alaska’s National Forests unveil the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree logo
Alaska’s National Forests unveil the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree logo
Release Date:
Contact(s): Brandon Raile, (907) 723-4358
JUNEAU, Alaska – June 17, 2024 – The Alaska Region of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, which features the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, is proud to reveal the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree logo. Symbolizing Alaska’s National Forests and the theme, “Where Nature, People, and Tradition come together,” the logo represents “The People’s Tree” to Americans across the country.
“Team Alaska is proud to unveil the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree logo,” said Chad VanOrmer, Regional Forester. “What a great symbol to represent Alaska’s gift to the American people this holiday season.”
“The People’s Tree” is an annual icon of hope and celebration, and this year’s logo offers an opportunity to highlight Alaska’s majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems, and abundant resources. It also speaks to the deep connection Alaskans, especially Alaska Natives, have with the lands they call home.
Artist Mike Hoyt was selected by the Wrangell Cooperative Association to design the traditional Alaska Native element that frames the majestic scene created by Shannon Holt, a Forest Service employee at the Chugach National Forest. Together, their work truly represents Alaska’s National Forests and the natural wonder that continues to bring us together.
The first element of the logo is a red ribbon that brings to mind the spirit of giving associated with the holiday season. Written across the top ribbon, “Alaska’s National Forests” represents the two forests. On the lower portion of the ribbon, the words “Kayéil’, Sagú, Ḵa Toowúk’éi” relay a special greeting in the Tlingit language to all who see the logo. It translates to “Peace, Joy and Happiness.”
Along the sides of the second element of the logo is form line art representing a raven (left) and an eagle (right), two moieties commonly found in the Indigenous cultures of southeast Alaska, from which this special tree will come. Across the top, “2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree” proudly announces “The People’s Tree,” a symbol of the holidays for everyone across our great and vast country.
The logo’s final element is a scene bathed in alpenglow, depicting the Alaska Region theme. A majestic Sitka spruce stands prominently in the center to represent this gift to the American people. Around it, retreating glaciers expose extensive forests and wetlands, while in the sky above, the North Star and the Big Dipper serve as unmistakable symbols of Alaska, and the aurora reinforces its majestic qualities. Silhouettes of birds, fish, and wildlife symbolize nature’s creatures whose lives are so intertwined with our own, and finally, two human figures represent all of us and our shared love for this special land.
Once the tree is selected and harvested, it will be transported by sea to Seattle, then transferred to a truck and trailer before setting out on a Whistlestop Tour across the country to Washington, D.C. There, it will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol and decorated with thousands of ornaments hand-made by Alaskans across the state.
The first and only previous U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to come from Alaska was harvested from the Chugach National Forest in 2015. This year, the tree will come from the Tongass National Forest – America’s largest national forest.
We invite everyone to learn more and follow the journey of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at:
- Website: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com
- Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree
- Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree
- X: @USCapitolTree
Follow Alaska’s National Forests at:
- Alaska Region:
- Tongass National Forest:
- Alaska’s National Forests:
