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2013 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a stop in Spokane

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Members of Team Fairchild and the Spokane community gathered while Fairchild Air Force Base honor guard members introduced the 2013 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at the INB Performing Arts Center in downtown Spokane, Wash., Nov. 5.

The tree began its journey at the Colville National Forest in Washington Nov. 1, and will visit 22 cities on its way to Washington, D.C., arriving on Nov. 25. Spokane was the tree's second stop.

The president of the Spokane City Council, Ben Stuckart, welcomed the crowd and said Spokane was honored to have the opportunity to host the tree.

"We are pleased to participate in this event as we welcome and send the tree along to the nation's capital," Stuckart said.

The selection, installation and decoration of the tree are all overseen by the Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds of the Architect of the Capitol. Records of the Architect of the Capitol indicate that a Christmas tree was purchased in 1919; however, it was not until 1964 that a procedure was established for the installation of a yearly tree.

During the ceremony, the McDonald Elementary School children's choir sang and people were able to sign the tarp that covers the tree while it travels to Washington D.C.

"The inland Northwest delivers excellence daily, whether it be supporting Fairchild AFB or sending the Capitol's Christmas tree east toward Washington D.C.," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I am proud that our Airmen are able to participate in such a festive event for the community."

Throughout the holiday season, the tree will be lit at dusk and enjoyed by people from around world. The theme of this year's Capitol Christmas Tree is "Sharing Washington's Good Nature." For more information on the 2013 Capitol Christmas Tree tour, please visit www.capitolchristmastree.com.