NOVEMBER 27, 2024 – Service members and families welcomed the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for a public viewing on Nov. 21, celebrating its journey from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the “People’s Tree,” traveled over 900 miles by sea using three barges to reach the Pacific Northwest, where it began a 2,899-mile journey across the continental United States. As part of its cross-country tour, the tree stopped at Andrews, offering the opportunity for the community to see the tree before it reaches the U.S. Capitol.
The annual tradition, supported by the U.S. Forest Service, features a tree from a different national forest each year to brighten up the nation’s capital. This year’s 80-foot Sitka Spruce from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, was chosen by the Architect of the Capitol for its uniquely wide conical shape, fullness, and “Alaskan character.”
Preparing the Tree
Before the event, members of the 316th Security Forces Group coordinated with U.S. Forest Service law enforcement to escort the tree onto the installation. Security forces maintained round-the-clock patrols to safeguard the tree ahead of its public unveiling.
Volunteers from the 316th Wing worked alongside U.S. Forest Service and Architect of the Capitol personnel to disassemble the tree’s protective cover, fully revealing the tree for the first time during its journey.
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Cristina Catana, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer officer, was the lead organizer in coordinating the tree’s visit to the base.
“Logistically speaking, getting to all of those locations, having stops in each of the different places that they went to, we were really just one stop on its journey,” Catana said. “But we feel very lucky to be the first stop where people get to see this tree in all its glory.”
For the first time in the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s history, the tree was harvested with the root mass intact. Members of the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron worked with American supply company 84 Lumber to prepare the tree for display. Together, they used heavy machinery to lift the tree in order to trim back the roots ahead of the public event.
A Stunning Debut
After its long journey across the country with the collective effort of the U.S. Forest Service, its partners, and service members, the People’s Tree was finally ready for its grand public debut.
“From a quiet forest to one of the busiest military bases in the world, the Capitol Christmas tree’s journey represents more than just holiday cheer,” said Col. Jun S. Oh, 316th Wing and installation commander. “It is a symbol of the dedication and teamwork of people from many organizations and backgrounds, coming together to achieve one goal.”
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will soon light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, serving as a focal point for holiday celebrations and a symbol of unity of those who made its journey possible.
Story by Staff Sgt. Alex Broome and 2nd Lt. Jimmy Nguyen
316th Wing